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Vacik Díaz R, Munsch G, Iglesias MJ, Pallares Robles A, Ibrahim-Kosta M, Nourse J, Khan E, Castoldi E, Saut N, Boland A, Germain M, Deleuze JF, Odeberg J, Morange PE, Danckwardt S, Tregouët DA, Goumidi L. Plasma levels of complement components C5 and C9 are associated with thrombin generation. J Thromb Haemost 2024:S1538-7836(24)00312-X. [PMID: 38838952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thrombin generation assay (TGA) evaluates the potential of plasma to generate thrombin over time, providing a global picture of an individual's hemostatic balance. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify novel biological determinants of thrombin generation using a multiomics approach. METHODS Associations between TGA parameters and plasma levels of 377 antibodies targeting 236 candidate proteins for cardiovascular risk were tested using multiple linear regression analysis in 770 individuals with venous thrombosis from the Marseille Thrombosis Association (MARTHA) study. Proteins associated with at least 3 TGA parameters were selected for validation in an independent population of 536 healthy individuals (Etablissement Français du Sang Alpes-Méditerranée [EFS-AM]). Proteins with strongest associations in both groups underwent additional genetic analyses and in vitro experiments. RESULTS Eighteen proteins were associated (P < 1.33 × 10⁻4) with at least 3 TGA parameters in MARTHA, among which 13 demonstrated a similar pattern of associations in EFS-AM. Complement proteins C5 and C9 had the strongest associations in both groups. Ex vivo supplementation of platelet-poor plasma with purified C9 protein had a significant dose-dependent effect on TGA parameters. No effect was observed with purified C5. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with C5 and C9 plasma levels were identified, with the strongest association for the C5 missense variant rs17611, which was associated with a decrease in C5 levels, endogenous thrombin potential, and peak in MARTHA. No association of this variant with TGA parameters was observed in EFS-AM. CONCLUSION This study identified complement proteins C5 and C9 as potential determinants of thrombin generation. Further studies are warranted to establish causality and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Vacik Díaz
- Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research Center Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Aix-Marseille University, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1263, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement 1260, Marseille, France; Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz, Germany. https://twitter.com/RocioVacik
| | - Gaëlle Munsch
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Center, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria Jesus Iglesias
- Science for Life Laboratory, Kungliga Tekniska högskolan-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alejandro Pallares Robles
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manal Ibrahim-Kosta
- Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research Center Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Aix-Marseille University, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1263, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement 1260, Marseille, France; Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Jamie Nourse
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz, Germany
| | - Essak Khan
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Castoldi
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biochemistry of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Noémie Saut
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Anne Boland
- Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Marine Germain
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Center, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-François Deleuze
- Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jacob Odeberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Kungliga Tekniska högskolan-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Morange
- Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research Center Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Aix-Marseille University, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1263, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement 1260, Marseille, France; Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz, Germany
| | - David-Alexandre Tregouët
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S 1219, Bordeaux Population Health Center, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Louisa Goumidi
- Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research Center Centre de recherche en CardioVasculaire et Nutrition (C2VN), Aix-Marseille University, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1263, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement 1260, Marseille, France.
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2
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Slim MA, Lim EHT, van Vught LA, Boer AMTD, Rademaker E, Mulier JLGH, Engel JJ, Pickkers P, van de Veerdonk FL, Vlaar APJ, Derde LPG, Juffermans NP. The effect of immunosuppressive therapies on the endothelial host response in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9113. [PMID: 38643179 PMCID: PMC11032323 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59385-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
While several effective therapies for critically ill patients with COVID-19 have been identified in large, well-conducted trials, the mechanisms underlying these therapies have not been investigated in depth. Our aim is to investigate the association between various immunosuppressive therapies (corticosteroids, tocilizumab and anakinra) and the change in endothelial host response over time in critically ill COVID-19 patients. We conducted a pre-specified multicenter post-hoc analysis in a Dutch cohort of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU between March 2020 and September 2021 due to hypoxemic respiratory failure. A panel of 18 immune response biomarkers in the complement, coagulation and endothelial function domains were measured using ELISA or Luminex. Biomarkers were measured on day 0-1, day 2-4 and day 6-8 after start of COVID-19 treatment. Patients were categorized into four treatment groups: no immunomodulatory treatment, corticosteroids, anakinra plus corticosteroids, or tocilizumab plus corticosteroids. The association between treatment group and the change in concentrations of biomarkers was estimated with linear mixed-effects models, using no immunomodulatory treatment as reference group. 109 patients with a median age of 62 years [IQR 54-70] of whom 72% (n = 78) was male, were included in this analysis. Both anakinra plus corticosteroids (n = 22) and tocilizumab plus corticosteroids (n = 38) were associated with an increase in angiopoietin-1 compared to no immune modulator (n = 23) (beta of 0.033 [0.002-0.064] and 0.041 [0.013-0.070] per day, respectively). These treatments, as well as corticosteroids alone (n = 26), were further associated with a decrease in the ratio of angiopoietin-2/angiopoietin-1 (beta of 0.071 [0.034-0.107], 0.060 [0.030-0.091] and 0.043 [0.001-0.085] per day, respectively). Anakinra plus corticosteroids and tocilizumab plus corticosteroids were associated with a decrease in concentrations of complement complex 5b-9 compared to no immunomodulatory treatment (0.038 [0.006-0.071] and 0.023 [0.000-0.047], respectively). Currently established treatments for critically ill COVID-19 patients are associated with a change in biomarkers of the angiopoietin and complement pathways, possibly indicating a role for stability of the endothelium. These results increase the understanding of the mechanisms of interventions and are possibly useful for stratification of patients with other inflammatory conditions which may potentially benefit from these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Slim
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Room G3-220, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - E H T Lim
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers - Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L A van Vught
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A M Tuip-de Boer
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers - Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Rademaker
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J L G Haitsma Mulier
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J J Engel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Pickkers
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A P J Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers - Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L P G Derde
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N P Juffermans
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Ghosh M, Shadangi S, Rana S. Rational design of antibody-like peptides for targeting the human complement fragment protein C5a. Proteins 2024; 92:449-463. [PMID: 37933678 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Human complement fragment 5a (C5a) is one of the most potent glycoproteins generated downstream of C3a and C4a during late-stage activation of the complement signaling cascade. C5a recruits receptors like C5aR1 and C5aR2 and is established to play a critical role in complement-mediated inflammation. Thus, excessive C5a in the plasma due to aberrant activation of the complement contributes to the pathophysiology of several chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, restricting the excessive interaction of C5a with its receptors by neutralizing C5a has been one of the most effective therapeutic strategies for the management of inflammatory diseases. Indeed, antibodies targeting C5 (Eculizumab), the precursor of C5a, and C5a (Vilobelimab) have already been approved by the FDA. Still, small designer peptides that work like antibodies and can target and stop C5a from interacting with its receptors seem to be a possible therapeutic alternative to antibodies because they are smaller, cheaper to make, more specific to their target, and can get through membrane barriers. As a proof-of-principle, the current study describes the computational design and evaluation of a pair of peptides that are able to form stable high-affinity complexes with the epitope regions of C5a that are important for the recruitment of C5aR1 and C5aR2. The computational data further supports the potential of designer peptides for mimicking the function of antibodies targeting C5a. However, further experimental studies will be required to establish the structure-function relationship of the designer peptides and also to establish the hypothesis of antibody-like peptides targeting C5a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manaswini Ghosh
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sucharita Shadangi
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Soumendra Rana
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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4
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Koopman I, Tack RWP, Wunderink HF, Bruns AHW, van der Schaaf IC, Cianci D, Gelderman KA, van de Ridder IM, Hol EM, Rinkel GJE, Vergouwen MDI. Safety and pharmacodynamic efficacy of eculizumab in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (CLASH): A phase 2a randomized clinical trial. Eur Stroke J 2023; 8:1097-1106. [PMID: 37606053 PMCID: PMC10683736 DOI: 10.1177/23969873231194123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Complement C5 antibodies reduce brain injury after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this randomized, controlled, open-label, phase 2a clinical trial with blinded-outcome assessment, we included adult aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients admitted to a tertiary referral center ⩽11 h after ictus. Patients were randomized (1:1) to eculizumab plus care as usual or to care as usual. Eculizumab (1200 mg) was administered <12 h, and on days 3 and 7 after ictus. In the intervention group, all patients received prophylactic antibiotics and, after a protocol amendment, fluconazole if indicated. Primary outcome was C5a concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on day 3 after ictus. Safety was monitored during 4 weeks. In each group, 13 patients with CSF assessments were needed to detect a 55% reduction in CSF C5a concentration. RESULTS From October 2018 to May 2021, we enrolled 31 patients of whom 26 with CSF samples, 13 per group. Median C5a concentration in CSF on day 3 was 251 pg/ml [IQR: 103-402] in the intervention group and 371 pg/ml [IQR: 131-534] in the control group (p = 0.29). Infections occurred in two patients in the intervention group and four patients in the control group. One patient in the intervention group developed a C. albicans meningitis prior to the protocol amendment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION One dose of eculizumab did not result in a ⩾ 55% decrease in C5a concentration in CSF on day 3 after aSAH. The study did not reveal new safety concerns, except for a C. albicans drain-related infection prior to antifungal monitoring and treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2017-004307-51, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inez Koopman
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reinier WP Tack
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman F Wunderink
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke HW Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Irene C van der Schaaf
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela Cianci
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Inge M van de Ridder
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel JE Rinkel
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mervyn DI Vergouwen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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5
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Lim EHT, Vlaar APJ, Brouwer MC, van de Beek D. Targeting C5a is beneficial in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152743. [PMID: 37717470 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Endry H T Lim
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexander P J Vlaar
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Seth N, Abujamra BA, Boulina M, Lev-Tov H, Jozic I. Upregulation of Caveolae-Associated Proteins in Lesional Samples of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Series Study. JID INNOVATIONS 2023; 3:100223. [PMID: 37731470 PMCID: PMC10507649 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition. HS disease management has proven difficult owing to an insufficient understanding of the immunological processes that drive its pathogenesis. We have demonstrated that misregulation of caveolae perturbs inflammatory responses, inhibits cutaneous wound healing, and contributes to immune privilege collapse in other hair follicle-related diseases. However, nothing is known about its role or the role of structural components of caveolae (caveolin [Cav1] 1, Cav2, and Cavin-1) in the pathophysiology of HS. We aimed to identify whether Cav1, Cav2, and Cavin-1 may serve as immunohistochemical markers of HS. Lesional and perilesional HS skin samples from patients (n = 7, mean age = 35.7 years, range = 20-57 years) with active HS and normal skin from control participants (n = 4, mean age = 36.7 years, range = 23-49 years) were used to assess Cav1, Cav2, and Cavin-1 expression and localization by immunofluorescence staining. HS samples demonstrated increased levels of Cav1 compared with normal skin, whereas Cav1, Cav2, and Cavin-1 were all elevated in hair follicles of lesional versus perilesional HS samples, suggesting a potentially novel therapeutic target and highlighting caveolae as potential biomarkers of HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Seth
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Beatriz Abdo Abujamra
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Maria Boulina
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hadar Lev-Tov
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ivan Jozic
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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7
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Lim EHT, Vlaar APJ, de Bruin S, Rückinger S, Thielert C, Habel M, Guo R, Burnett BP, Dickinson J, Brouwer MC, Riedemann NC, van de Beek D. Pharmacokinetic analysis of vilobelimab, anaphylatoxin C5a and antidrug antibodies in PANAMO: a phase 3 study in critically ill, invasively mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Intensive Care Med Exp 2023; 11:37. [PMID: 37332066 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-023-00520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vilobelimab, a complement 5a (C5a)-specific monoclonal antibody, reduced mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients in a phase 3 multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. As part of the study, vilobelimab concentrations and C5a levels as well as antidrug antibodies (ADAs) to vilobelimab were analysed. RESULTS From Oct 1, 2020 to Oct 4, 2021, 368 invasively mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients were randomized: 177 patients were randomly assigned to receive vilobelimab while 191 patients received placebo. Pharmacokinetic sampling was only performed at sites in Western Europe. Blood samples for vilobelimab measurements were available for 93 of 177 (53%) patients in the vilobelimab group and 99 of 191 (52%) patients in the placebo group. On day 8, after three infusions, mean vilobelimab (trough) concentrations ranged from 21,799.3 to 302,972.1 ng/mL (geometric mean 137,881.3 ng/mL). Blood samples for C5a measurements were available for 94 of 177 (53%) patients in the vilobelimab group and 99 of 191 (52%) patients in the placebo group. At screening, C5a levels were highly elevated and comparable between groups. In the vilobelimab group, median C5a levels were 118.3 ng/mL [IQR 71.2-168.2 ng/mL] and in the placebo group, median C5a levels were 104.6 ng/mL [IQR 77.5-156.6 ng/mL]. By day 8, median C5a levels were reduced by 87% in the vilobelimab group (median 14.5 ng/mL [IQR 9.5-21.0 ng/mL], p < 0.001) versus an 11% increase in the placebo group (median 119.2 ng/mL [IQR 85.9-152.1 ng/mL]). Beyond day 8, though plasma sampling was sparse, C5a levels did not reach screening levels in the vilobelimab group while C5a levels remained elevated in the placebo group. Treatment-emergent ADAs were observed in one patient in the vilobelimab group at hospital discharge on day 40 and in one patient in the placebo group at hospital discharge on day 25. CONCLUSIONS This analysis shows that vilobelimab efficiently inhibits C5a in critically ill COVID-19 patients. There was no evidence of immunogenicity associated with vilobelimab treatment. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04333420. Registered 3 April 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04333420.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endry H T Lim
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, AMC Room C3-421, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexander P J Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, AMC Room C3-421, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, AMC Room C3-421, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Renfeng Guo
- InflaRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Lim EHT, Vlaar APJ, de Bruin S, Brouwer MC, van de Beek D. Letter in response to 'The efficacy and safety of complement C5a inhibitors for patients with severe COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis' by Tsai et al. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:685-686. [PMID: 36989394 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2197211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Endry H T Lim
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander P J Vlaar
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Das A, Ghosh M, Gupta PK, Rana S. Neutraligands of C5a can potentially occlude the interaction of C5a with the complement receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:266-281. [PMID: 36565188 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is central to the rapid immune response witnessed in vertebrates and invertebrates, which plays a crucial role in physiology and pathophysiology. Complement activation fuels the proteolytic cascade, which produces several complement fragments that interacts with a distinct set of complement receptors. Among all the complement fragments, C5a is one of the most potent anaphylatoxins, which exerts solid pro-inflammatory responses in a myriad of tissues by binding to the complement receptors such as C5aR1 (CD88, C5aR) and C5aR2 (GPR77, C5L2), which are part of the rhodopsin subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. In terms of signaling cascade, recruitment of C5aR1 or C5aR2 by C5a triggers the association of either G-proteins or β-arrestins, providing a protective response under normal physiological conditions and a destructive response under pathophysiological conditions. As a result, both deficiency and unregulated activation of the complement lead to clinical conditions that require therapeutic intervention. Indeed, complement therapeutics targeting either the complement fragments or the complement receptors are being actively pursued by both industry and academia. In this context, the model structural complex of C5a-C5aR1 interactions, followed by a biophysical evaluation of the model complex, has been elaborated on earlier. In addition, through the drug repurposing strategy, we have shown that small molecule drugs such as raloxifene and prednisone may act as neutraligands of C5a by effectively binding to C5a and altering its biologically active molecular conformation. Very recently, structural models illustrating the intermolecular interaction of C5a with C5aR2 have also been elaborated by our group. In the current study, we provide the biophysical validation of the C5a-C5aR2 model complex by recruiting major synthetic peptide fragments of C5aR2 against C5a. In addition, the ability of the selected neutraligands to hinder the interaction of C5a with the peptide fragments derived from both C5aR1 and C5aR2 has also been explored. Overall, the computational and experimental data provided in the current study supports the idea that small molecule drugs targeting C5a can potentially neutralize C5a's ability to interact effectively with its cognate complement receptors, which can be beneficial in modulating the destructive signaling response of C5a under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurosikha Das
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Manaswini Ghosh
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Pulkit Kr Gupta
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Soumendra Rana
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
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10
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Anliker-Ort M, Dingemanse J, Farine H, Groenen P, Kornberger R, van den Anker J, Kaufmann P. Multiple-ascending doses of ACT-1014-6470, an oral complement factor 5a receptor 1 (C5a 1 receptor) antagonist: Tolerability, pharmacokinetics and target engagement. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:380-389. [PMID: 36000981 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Targeting the complement factor 5a receptor 1 (C5a1 receptor) offers potential to treat various autoimmune diseases. The C5a1 receptor antagonist ACT-1014-6470 was well tolerated in a single-ascending dose study in healthy subjects. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and target engagement of multiple-ascending doses of ACT-1014-6470. METHODS Per dose level, 10 healthy male and female subjects of nonchildbearing potential (1:1 sex ratio) were enrolled to assess 30, 60 and 120 mg ACT-1014-6470 administered twice daily for 4.5 days under fed conditions. Adverse events, clinical laboratory data, vital signs, electrocardiogram and PK blood samples were collected up to 120 h post last dose and ex vivo stimulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 was quantified as target engagement biomarker. At the 60-mg dose level, PK samples were collected until 8 weeks post last dose. RESULTS The total adverse event number was 57 and no treatment-related safety pattern was apparent. At steady state, ACT-1014-6470 reached maximum plasma concentrations after 2-3 h and the half-life estimated up to Day 10 was 115-146 h across dose levels. Exposure parameters increased dose-proportionally, steady state was attained between Day 3-5, and ACT-1014-6470 accumulated 2-fold. At the 60-mg dose level, ACT-1014-6470 was quantifiable until 8 weeks after the last dose. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 release was suppressed to endogenous background concentrations up to the last sampling time point, confirming sustained target engagement of ACT-1014-6470. CONCLUSION The compound was generally safe and well tolerated at all dose levels, warranting further clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Anliker-Ort
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
- Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jasper Dingemanse
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Farine
- Translational Biomarkers, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Peter Groenen
- Translational Biomarkers, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - John van den Anker
- Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Kaufmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
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11
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Lim EHT, van Amstel RBE, de Boer VV, van Vught LA, de Bruin S, Brouwer MC, Vlaar APJ, van de Beek D. Complement activation in COVID-19 and targeted therapeutic options: A scoping review. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100995. [PMID: 35934552 PMCID: PMC9338830 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that activation of the complement system plays a key role in the pathogenesis and disease severity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We used a systematic approach to create an overview of complement activation in COVID-19 based on histopathological, preclinical, multiomics, observational and clinical interventional studies. A total of 1801 articles from PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane was screened of which 157 articles were included in this scoping review. Histopathological, preclinical, multiomics and observational studies showed apparent complement activation through all three complement pathways and a correlation with disease severity and mortality. The complement system was targeted at different levels in COVID-19, of which C5 and C5a inhibition seem most promising. Adequately powered, double blind RCTs are necessary in order to further investigate the effect of targeting the complement system in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endry Hartono Taslim Lim
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rombout Benjamin Ezra van Amstel
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vieve Victoria de Boer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke Alette van Vught
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs Christian Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Petrus Johannes Vlaar
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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12
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Complement and Fungal Dysbiosis as Prognostic Markers and Potential Targets in PDAC Treatment. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:9833-9854. [PMID: 36547187 PMCID: PMC9777542 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29120773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still hampered by a dismal prognosis. A better understanding of the tumor microenvironment within the pancreas and of the factors affecting its composition is of utmost importance for developing new diagnostic and treatment tools. In this context, the complement system plays a prominent role. Not only has it been shown to shape a T cell-mediated immune response, but it also directly affects proliferation and apoptosis of the tumor cells, influencing angiogenesis, metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. This makes complement proteins appealing not only as early biomarkers of PDAC development, but also as therapeutic targets. Fungal dysbiosis is currently the new kid on the block in tumorigenesis with cancer-associated mycobiomes extracted from several cancer types. For PDAC, colonization with the yeast Malassezia seems to promote cancer progression, already in precursor lesions. One responsible mechanism appears to be complement activation via the lectin pathway. In the present article, we review the role of the complement system in tumorigenesis, presenting observations that propose it as the missing link between fungal dysbiosis and PDAC development. We also present the results of a small pilot study supporting the crucial interplay between the complement system and Malassezia colonization in PDAC pathogenesis.
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13
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Vlaar APJ, Witzenrath M, van Paassen P, Heunks LMA, Mourvillier B, de Bruin S, Lim EHT, Brouwer MC, Tuinman PR, Saraiva JFK, Marx G, Lobo SM, Boldo R, Simon-Campos JA, Cornet AD, Grebenyuk A, Engelbrecht JM, Mukansi M, Jorens PG, Zerbib R, Rückinger S, Pilz K, Guo R, van de Beek D, Riedemann NC, Witzenrath M, van Paassen P, Heunks LM, Mourvillier B, de Bruin S, Lim EH, Brouwer MC, Tuinman PR, Saraiva JFK, Marx G, Lobo S, Boldo R, Simon-Campos J, Cornet AD, Grebenyuk A, Engelbrecht J, Mukansi M, Jorens PG, Zerbib R, Rückinger S, Pilz K, Guo R, van de Beek D, Riedemann NC, Bulpa P, Taccone FS, Hermans G, Diltoer M, Piagnerelli M, De Neve N, Freire AT, Pizzol FD, Marinho AK, Sato VH, Arns da Cunha C, Neuville M, Dellamonica J, Annane D, Roquilly A, Diehl JL, Schneider F, Mira JP, Lascarrou JB, Desmedt L, Dupuis C, Schwebel C, Thiéry G, Gründling M, Berger M, Welte T, Bauer M, Jaschinski U, Matschke K, Mercado-Longoria R, Gomez Quintana B, Zamudio-Lerma JA, Moreno Hoyos Abril J, Aleman Marquez A, Pickkers P, Otterspoor L, Hercilla Vásquez L, Seas Ramos CR, Peña Villalobos A, Gianella Malca G, Chávez V, Filimonov V, Kulabukhov V, Acharya P, Timmermans SA, Busch MH, van Baarle FL, Koning R, ter Horst L, Chekrouni N, van Soest TM, Slim MA, van Vught LA, van Amstel RB, Olie SE, van Zeggeren IE, van de Poll MC, Thielert C, Neukirchen D. Anti-C5a antibody (vilobelimab) therapy for critically ill, invasively mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 (PANAMO): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2022; 10:1137-1146. [PMID: 36087611 PMCID: PMC9451499 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vilobelimab, an anti-C5a monoclonal antibody, was shown to be safe in a phase 2 trial of invasively mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19. Here, we aimed to determine whether vilobelimab in addition to standard of care improves survival outcomes in this patient population. METHODS This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase 3 trial was performed at 46 hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Russia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and South Africa. Participants aged 18 years or older who were receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, but not more than 48 h after intubation at time of first infusion, had a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 60-200 mm Hg, and a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with any variant in the past 14 days were eligible for this study. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive standard of care and vilobelimab at a dose of 800 mg intravenously for a maximum of six doses (days 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, and 22) or standard of care and a matching placebo using permuted block randomisation. Treatment was not continued after hospital discharge. Participants, caregivers, and assessors were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality at 28 days in the full analysis set (defined as all randomly assigned participants regardless of whether a patient started treatment, excluding patients randomly assigned in error) and measured using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Safety analyses included all patients who had received at least one infusion of either vilobelimab or placebo. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04333420. FINDINGS From Oct 1, 2020, to Oct 4, 2021, we included 368 patients in the ITT analysis (full analysis set; 177 in the vilobelimab group and 191 in the placebo group). One patient in the vilobelimab group was excluded from the primary analysis due to random assignment in error without treatment. At least one dose of study treatment was given to 364 (99%) patients (safety analysis set). 54 patients (31%) of 177 in the vilobelimab group and 77 patients (40%) of 191 in the placebo group died in the first 28 days. The all-cause mortality rate at 28 days was 32% (95% CI 25-39) in the vilobelimab group and 42% (35-49) in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·73, 95% CI 0·50-1·06; p=0·094). In the predefined analysis without site-stratification, vilobelimab significantly reduced all-cause mortality at 28 days (HR 0·67, 95% CI 0·48-0·96; p=0·027). The most common TEAEs were acute kidney injury (35 [20%] of 175 in the vilobelimab group vs 40 [21%] of 189 in the placebo), pneumonia (38 [22%] vs 26 [14%]), and septic shock (24 [14%] vs 31 [16%]). Serious treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 103 (59%) of 175 patients in the vilobelimab group versus 120 (63%) of 189 in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION In addition to standard of care, vilobelimab improves survival of invasive mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 and leads to a significant decrease in mortality. Vilobelimab could be considered as an additional therapy for patients in this setting and further research is needed on the role of vilobelimab and C5a in other acute respiratory distress syndrome-causing viral infections. FUNDING InflaRx and the German Federal Government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P J Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands,Prof Alexander P J Vlaar, Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1100DD Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, German Center for Lung Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Leo M A Heunks
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bruno Mourvillier
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Reims, Reims, France
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Endry H T Lim
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pieter R Tuinman
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Gernot Marx
- Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Klinik für Operative Intensivmedizin und Intermediate Care, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Rodrigo Boldo
- Associação Educadora São Carlos, Hospital Mãe de Deus, Centro de Pesquisa, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Murimisi Mukansi
- Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Stathopoulos P, Dalakas MC. The role of complement and complement therapeutics in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:933-945. [PMID: 35899480 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are characterized in the majority of cases by the presence of IgG1 autoantibodies against aquaporin 4 (AQP4) and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), both capable of activating complement. AREAS COVERED We review evidence of complement involvement in NMOSD pathophysiology from pathological, in vitro, in vivo, human studies, and clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION In AQP4 NMOSD, complement deposition is a prominent pathological feature, while in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated complement-dependent pathogenicity of AQP4 antibodies. Consistent with these studies, the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab was remarkably effective and safe in a phase 2/3 trial of AQP4-NMOSD patents leading to FDA-approved indication. Several other anti-complement agents, either approved or in trials for other neuro-autoimmunities, like myasthenia, CIDP, and GBS, are also relevant to NMOSD generating an exciting group of evolving immunotherapies. Limited but compelling in vivo and in vitro data suggest that anti-complement therapeutics may be also applicable to a subset of MOG NMOSD patients with severe disease. Overall, anticomplement agents, along with the already approved anti-IL6 and anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies sartralizumab and inebilizumab, are rapidly changing the therapeutic algorithm in NMOSD, a previously difficult-to-treat autoimmune neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos Stathopoulos
- Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos C Dalakas
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Neuroimmunology Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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15
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Vlaar APJ, Lim EHT, de Bruin S, Rückinger S, Pilz K, Brouwer MC, Guo RF, Heunks LMA, Busch MH, van Paassen P, Riedemann NC, van de Beek D. The anti-C5a antibody vilobelimab efficiently inhibits C5a in patients with severe COVID-19. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:854-858. [PMID: 35029045 PMCID: PMC9010279 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported the phase II portion of the adaptive phase II/III PANAMO trial exploring potential benefit and safety of selectively blocking C5a with the monoclonal antibody vilobelimab (IFX‐1) in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The potent anaphylatoxin C5a attracts neutrophils and monocytes to the infection site, causes tissue damage by oxidative radical formation and enzyme releases, and leads to activation of the coagulation system. Results demonstrated that C5a inhibition with vilobelimab was safe and secondary outcomes appeared in favor of vilobelimab. We now report the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analysis of the phase II study. Between March 31 and April 24, 2020, 30 patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive vilobelimab plus best supportive care or best supportive care only. Samples for measurement of vilobelimab, C3a and C5a blood concentrations were taken. Vilobelimab predose (trough) drug concentrations in plasma ranged from 84,846 to 248,592 ng/ml (571 to 1674 nM) with a geometric mean of 151,702 ng/ml (1022 nM) on day 2 and from 80,060 to 200,746 ng/ml (539 to 1352 nM) with a geometric mean of 139,503 ng/ml (939 nM) on day 8. After the first vilobelimab infusion, C5a concentrations were suppressed in the vilobelimab group (median 39.70 ng/ml 4.8 nM, IQR 33.20–45.55) as compared to the control group (median 158.53 ng/ml 19.1 nM, IQR 60.03–200.89, p = 0.0006). The suppression was maintained on day 8 (p = 0.001). The current PK/PD analysis shows that vilobelimab efficiently inhibits C5a in patients with severe COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P J Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Endry H T Lim
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ren-Feng Guo
- InflaRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Leo M A Heunks
- Department of Intensive Care, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias H Busch
- Department of Immunology, Maastricht UMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Lim EHT, Vlaar APJ, Bos LDJ, van Vught LA, Boer AMTD, Dujardin RWG, Habel M, Xu Z, Brouwer MC, van de Beek D, de Bruin S, Algera AG, Appelman B, van Baarle F, Beudel M, Bogaard HJ, Bomers M, Bonta P, Bos LDJ, Botta M, de Brabander J, Bree G, Bugiani M, Bulle E, Chouchane O, Cloherty A, Buis DTP, de Rotte MCFJ, Dijkstra M, Dongelmans DA, Elbers P, Fleuren L, Geerlings S, Geijtenbeek T, Girbes A, Goorhuis B, Grobusch MP, Hagens L, Hamann J, Harris V, Hemke R, Hermans SM, Heunks L, Hollmann M, Horn J, Hovius JW, de Jong MD, Koning R, van Mourik N, Nellen J, Nossent EJ, Paulus F, Peters E, Piña-Fuentes DAI, van der Poll T, Preckel B, Prins JM, Raasveld J, Reijnders T, Schinkel M, Schrauwen FAP, Schultz MJ, Schuurman A, Schuurmans J, Sigaloff K, Slim MA, Smeele P, Smit M, Stijnis CS, Stilma W, Teunissen C, Thoral P, Tsonas AM, Tuinman PR, van der Valk M, Veelo D, Volleman C, de Vries H, van Vugt M, Wouters D, Zwinderman AH, Wiersinga WJ. Anti-C5a antibody vilobelimab treatment and the effect on biomarkers of inflammation and coagulation in patients with severe COVID-19: a substudy of the phase 2 PANAMO trial. Respir Res 2022; 23:375. [PMID: 36566174 PMCID: PMC9789513 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02278-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported in the phase 3 PANAMO trial that selectively blocking complement 5a (C5a) with vilobelimab led to improved survival in critically ill COVID-19 patients. C5a is an important contributor to the innate immune system and can also activate the coagulation system. High C5a levels have been reported in severely ill COVID-19 patients and correlate with disease severity and mortality. Previously, we assessed the potential benefit and safety of vilobelimab in severe COVID-19 patients. In the current substudy of the phase 2 PANAMO trial, we aim to explore the effects of vilobelimab on various biomarkers of inflammation and coagulation. Between March 31 and April 24, 2020, 17 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled in an exploratory, open-label, randomised phase 2 trial. Blood markers of complement, endothelial activation, epithelial barrier disruption, inflammation, neutrophil activation, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and coagulopathy were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or utilizing the Luminex platform. During the first 15 days after inclusion, change in biomarker concentrations between the two groups were modelled with linear mixed-effects models with spatial splines and compared. Eight patients were randomized to vilobelimab treatment plus best supportive care (BSC) and nine patients were randomized to BSC only. A significant decrease over time was seen in the vilobelimab plus BSC group for C5a compared to the BSC only group (p < 0.001). ADAMTS13 levels decreased over time in the BSC only group compared to the vilobelimab plus BSC group (p < 0.01) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were statistically more suppressed in the vilobelimab plus BSC group compared to the BSC group (p = 0.03). Our preliminary results show that C5a inhibition decreases the inflammatory response and hypercoagulability, which likely explains the beneficial effect of vilobelimab in severe COVID-19 patients. Validation of these results in a larger sample size is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endry H. T. Lim
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.484519.5Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Room C3-421, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander P. J. Vlaar
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe D. J. Bos
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lonneke A. van Vught
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anita M. Tuip-de Boer
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Romein W. G. Dujardin
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Zhongli Xu
- grid.476439.bInflaRx GmbH, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthijs C. Brouwer
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.484519.5Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.484519.5Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,Laboratory of Experimental Intensive Care and Anaesthesiology (L.E.I.C.A.), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Raina R, Vijayvargiya N, Khooblall A, Melachuri M, Deshpande S, Sharma D, Mathur K, Arora M, Sethi SK, Sandhu S. Pediatric Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Advances. Cells 2021; 10:3580. [PMID: 34944087 PMCID: PMC8700093 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disorder characterized by dysregulation of the alternate pathway. The diagnosis of aHUS is one of exclusion, which complicates its early detection and corresponding intervention to mitigate its high rate of mortality and associated morbidity. Heterozygous mutations in complement regulatory proteins linked to aHUS are not always phenotypically active, and may require a particular trigger for the disease to manifest. This list of triggers continues to expand as more data is aggregated, particularly centered around COVID-19 and pediatric vaccinations. Novel genetic mutations continue to be identified though advancements in technology as well as greater access to cohorts of interest, as in diacylglycerol kinase epsilon (DGKE). DGKE mutations associated with aHUS are the first non-complement regulatory proteins associated with the disease, drastically changing the established framework. Additional markers that are less understood, but continue to be acknowledged, include the unique autoantibodies to complement factor H and complement factor I which are pathogenic drivers in aHUS. Interventional therapeutics have undergone the most advancements, as pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are modified as needed in addition to their as biosimilar counterparts. As data continues to be gathered in this field, future advancements will optimally decrease the mortality and morbidity of this disease in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Raina
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA; (N.V.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.M.); (M.A.)
- Department of Nephrology, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, OH 44308, USA
| | - Nina Vijayvargiya
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA; (N.V.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Amrit Khooblall
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA; (N.V.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Manasa Melachuri
- Department of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA; (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Shweta Deshpande
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA; (N.V.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Divya Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA; (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Kashin Mathur
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA; (N.V.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Manav Arora
- Akron Nephrology Associates/Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA; (N.V.); (A.K.); (S.D.); (K.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Sidharth Kumar Sethi
- Pediatric Nephrology & Pediatric Kidney Transplantation, Kidney and Urology Institute, Medanta, The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon 122007, India;
| | - Sonia Sandhu
- Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Center, Akron, OH 44307, USA;
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18
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Efficacy and Safety of Vilobelimab (IFX-1), a Novel Monoclonal Anti-C5a Antibody, in Patients With Early Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock-A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Phase IIa Trial (SCIENS Study). Crit Care Explor 2021; 3:e0577. [PMID: 34806021 PMCID: PMC8601347 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Anaphylatoxin C5a, a proinflammatory complement split product, plays a central role in mediating organ dysfunction.
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19
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Novel Selection Approaches to Identify Antibodies Targeting Neoepitopes on the C5b6 Intermediate Complex to Inhibit Membrane Attack Complex Formation. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:antib10040039. [PMID: 34698051 PMCID: PMC8544208 DOI: 10.3390/antib10040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The terminal pathway of complement is implicated in the pathology of multiple diseases and its inhibition is, therefore, an attractive therapeutic proposition. The practicalities of inhibiting this pathway, however, are challenging, as highlighted by the very few molecules in the clinic. The proteins are highly abundant, and assembly is mediated by high-affinity protein-protein interactions. One strategy is to target neoepitopes that are present transiently and only exist on active or intermediate complexes but not on the abundant native proteins. Here, we describe an antibody discovery campaign that generated neoepitope-specific mAbs against the C5b6 complex, a stable intermediate complex in terminal complement complex assembly. We used a highly diverse yeast-based antibody library of fully human IgGs to screen against soluble C5b6 antigen and successfully identified C5b6 neoepitope-specific antibodies. These antibodies were diverse, showed good binding to C5b6, and inhibited membrane attack complex (MAC) formation in a solution-based assay. However, when tested in a more physiologically relevant membrane-based assay these antibodies failed to inhibit MAC formation. Our data highlight the feasibility of identifying neoepitope binding mAbs, but also the technical challenges associated with the identification of functionally relevant, neoepitope-specific inhibitors of the terminal pathway.
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20
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Gupta A, Gupta GS. Status of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and complement system in COVID-19 patients and therapeutic applications of antiviral plant MBLs. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:2917-2942. [PMID: 33745077 PMCID: PMC7981598 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a virus called "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)." In the majority of patients, infection with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or may cause only mild symptoms. However, in some patients, there can also be immunological problems, such as macrophage activation syndrome (CSS) that results in cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Comprehension of host-microbe communications is the critical aspect in the advancement of new therapeutics against infectious illnesses. Endogenous animal lectins, a class of proteins, may perceive non-self glycans found on microorganisms. Serum mannose-binding lectin (sMBL), as a part of the innate immune framework, recognizes a wide range of microbial microorganisms and activates complement cascade via an antibody-independent pathway. Although the molecular basis for the intensity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is not generally understood, scientific literature indicates that COVID-19 is correlated with unregulated activation of the complement in terms of disease severity. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), inflammation, and immune paralysis contribute to unregulated complement activation. Pre-existing genetic defects in MBL and their association with complement play a major role in immune response dysregulation caused by SARS-CoV-2. In order to generate anti-complement-based therapies in Covid-19, an understanding of sMBL in immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and complement is therefore essential. This review highlights the role of endogenous sMBL and complement activation during SARS-CoV-2 infection and their therapeutic management by various agents, mainly plant lectins, since antiviral mannose-binding plant lectins (pMBLs) offer potential applications in the prevention and control of viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Gupta
- Chitkara School of Health Sciences, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - G S Gupta
- Department of Biophysics, Sector 25, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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21
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Lim EH, Vlaar AP, de-Bruin S, Brouwer MC, van-de-Beek D. Complement inhibition in severe COVID-19 - Blocking C5a seems to be key. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 35:100722. [PMID: 33997737 PMCID: PMC8099654 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Endry H.T. Lim
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1100DD Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander P.J. Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1100DD Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sanne de-Bruin
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1100DD Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C. Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Diederik van-de-Beek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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22
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Asavapanumas N, Tradtrantip L, Verkman AS. Targeting the complement system in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1073-1086. [PMID: 33513036 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1884223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is characterized by central nervous system inflammation and demyelination. In AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD, circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) cause tissue injury. Compelling evidence supports a pathogenic role for complement activation following AQP4-IgG binding to AQP4. Clinical studies supported the approval of eculizumab, an inhibitor of C5 cleavage, in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD. AREAS COVERED This review covers in vitro, animal models, and human evidence for complement-dependent and complement-independent tissue injury in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD. Complement targets are discussed, including complement proteins, regulators and anaphylatoxin receptors, and corresponding drug candidates. EXPERT OPINION Though preclinical data support a central pathogenic role of complement activation in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD, they do not resolve the relative contributions of complement-dependent vs. complement-independent disease mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, T cell effector mechanisms, and direct AQP4-IgG-induced cellular injury. The best evidence that complement-dependent mechanisms predominate in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD comes from eculizumab clinical data. Various drug candidates targeting distinct complement effector mechanisms may offer improved safety and efficacy. However, notwithstanding the demonstrated efficacy of complement inhibition in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD, the ultimate niche for complement inhibition is not clear given multiple drug options with alternative mechanisms of action.Abbreviations: AAV2, Adeno-associated virus 2; ADCC, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity; ANCA, antineutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibody; AQP4, aquaporin-4; AQP4-IgG, AQP4-immunoglobulin G; C1-INH, C1-esterase inhibitor; C3aR, C3a receptor; C4BP, C4 binding protein; C5aR, C5a receptor; CDC, complement-dependent cytotoxicity; CFHR1, complement factor H related 1; CNS, central nervous system; EAE, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; EndoS, endoglycosidase S; FHL-1, factor-H-like protein 1; GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein; Iba-1, ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1; IgG, immunoglobulin G; IVIG, intravenous human immunoglobulin G; MAC, membrane attack complex; MBL, maltose-binding lectin; MBP, myelin basic protein; MOG, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein; NK cell, natural killer cell; NMOSD, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; OAP, orthogonal arrays of particles; PNH, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithi Asavapanumas
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lukmanee Tradtrantip
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan S Verkman
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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23
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Fattizzo B, Kulasekararaj AG. Second-Generation C5 Inhibitors for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. BioDrugs 2021; 34:149-158. [PMID: 31916226 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-019-00401-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The C5 targeting monoclonal antibody eculizumab has changed the natural history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in the last 10 years. However, some unmet clinical needs persist, including persistent anemia with some patients requiring transfusions, incomplete C5 inhibition with breakthrough hemolysis (because of pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic issues such as infections, as well as conditions increasing complement activity), the underlying bone marrow failure, and the significant burden on patient quality of life (intravenous route of administration and frequency of infusions). Moreover, a subclass of patients carries C5 polymorphisms resistant to eculizumab inhibition. Several second-generation C5 inhibitors are under active study to overcome unmet clinical needs with eculizumab. Current strategies encompass increasing drug half-life, developing small molecule inhibitors of C5, and exploring new routes of administration (including subcutaneous and oral agents). In this review, we summarize available data on second-generation C5 inhibitors in PNH, including novel monoclonal antibodies, a small interfering RNA, and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano e Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Austin G Kulasekararaj
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, National Institute of Health Research/Wellcome King's Clinical Research Facility, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
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24
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Vitiello A, La Porta R, D'Aiuto V, Ferrara F. Pharmacological approach for the reduction of inflammatory and prothrombotic hyperactive state in COVID-19 positive patients by acting on complement cascade. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:264-269. [PMID: 33632561 PMCID: PMC7816598 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the viral pathogen responsible for the ongoing global pandemic, COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). To date, the data recorded indicate 1.62 Mln deaths and 72.8 Mln people infected (WHO situation report Dec 2020). On December 27, the first anti-COVID-19 vaccinations started in Europe. There are no direct antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the pathophysiological and inflammatory/immunological processes of SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential to identify new drug therapies. In the most severe COVID-19 cases, an unregulated immunological/inflammatory system results in organ injury that can be fatal to the host in some cases. Pharmacologic approaches to normalize the unregulated inflammatory/immunologic response is an important therapeutic solution. Evidence associates a non-regulation of the “complement system” as one of the causes of generalized inflammation causing multi-organ dysfunction. Serum levels of a complement cascade mediator, factor “C5a”, have been found in high concentrations in the blood of COVID-19 patients with severe disease. In this article we discuss the correlation between complement system and COVID-19 infection and pharmacological solutions directed to regulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vitiello
- Clinical Pharmacologist, Pharmaceutical Department, Usl Umbria 1, A.Migliorati Street, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - R La Porta
- Clinical Pathologist, Pathologist Department, Asur Marche, A.Comandino Street, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
| | - V D'Aiuto
- Clinical Pathologist, Pathologist Department, Asur Marche, A.Comandino Street, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - F Ferrara
- Hospital Pharmacist Manager, Pharmaceutical Department, Usl Umbria 1, A.Migliorati Street, 06132 Perugia, Italy.
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25
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Agostinis C, Balduit A, Mangogna A, Zito G, Romano F, Ricci G, Kishore U, Bulla R. Immunological Basis of the Endometriosis: The Complement System as a Potential Therapeutic Target. Front Immunol 2021; 11:599117. [PMID: 33505394 PMCID: PMC7829336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic disease characterized by the presence and proliferation of functional endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Ovaries and pelvic peritoneum are the most common locations for endometrial ectopic tissue, followed by deep infiltrating EM sites. The cyclic and recurrent bleeding, the progressive fibrosis and the peritoneal adhesions of ectopic endometrial glands, may cause different symptoms depending on the origin involved. EM is a frequent clinical condition affecting around 10% of women of mainly reproductive age, as well as in post-menopausal women and adolescents, especially with uterine anomalies. The risk of developing EM depends on a complex interaction between genetic, immunological, hormonal, and environmental factors. It is largely considered to arise due to a dysfunction of immunological surveillance. In fact, women with EM exhibit altered functions of peritoneal macrophages, lymphocytes and natural killer cells, as well as levels of inflammatory mediators and growth factors in the peritoneal fluid. In EM patients, peritoneal macrophages are preponderant and highly active compared to healthy women. Peritoneal macrophages are able to regulate the events that determine the production of cytokines, prostaglandins, growth factors and complement components. Several studies have shown alteration in the regulation of the complement activation, leading to chronic inflammation characteristic of EM. Aberrant regulation/activation of the complement system has been observed in the peritoneal cavity of women affected by EM. Thus, complement inhibition may represent a new approach for the treatment of EM, given that a number of complement inhibitors are under pre-clinical and clinical development. Such an intervention may provide a broader therapeutic control of complement-mediated inflammatory damage in EM patients. This review will focus on our current understanding of the role of complement activation in EM and possible modalities available for complement-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Balduit
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriella Zito
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Romano
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico) "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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26
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Vlaar APJ, de Bruin S, Brouwer MC, van de Beek D. Efficacy matters: broadening complement inhibition in COVID-19 - Authors' reply. LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 3:e95-e96. [PMID: 33521673 PMCID: PMC7834467 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P J Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1100DD, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Department of Intensive Care, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1100DD, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1100DD, Netherlands
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1100DD, Netherlands
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27
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Rodrigues PRS, Picco N, Morgan BP, Ghazal P. Sepsis target validation for repurposing and combining complement and immune checkpoint inhibition therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:537-551. [PMID: 33206027 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1851186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Sepsis is a disease that occurs due to an adverse immune response to infection by bacteria, viruses and fungi and is the leading pathway to death by infection. The hallmarks for maladapted immune reactions in severe sepsis, which contribute to multiple organ failure and death, are bookended by the exacerbated activation of the complement system to protracted T-cell dysfunction states orchestrated by immune checkpoint control. Despite major advances in our understanding of the condition, there remains to be either a definitive test or an effective therapeutic intervention.Areas covered: The authors consider a combinational drug therapy approach using new biologics, and mathematical modeling for predicting patient responses, in targeting innate and adaptive immune mediators underlying sepsis. Special consideration is given for emerging complement and immune checkpoint inhibitors that may be repurposed for sepsis treatment.Expert opinion: In order to overcome the challenges inherent to finding new therapies for the complex dysregulated host response to infection that drives sepsis, it is necessary to move away from monotherapy and promote precision for personalized combinatory therapies. Notably, combinatory therapy should be guided by predictive systems models of the immune-metabolic characteristics of an individual's disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia R S Rodrigues
- School of Medicine, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Noemi Picco
- Department of Mathematics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - B Paul Morgan
- School of Medicine, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Ghazal
- School of Medicine, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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28
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Ort M, Dingemanse J, van den Anker J, Kaufmann P. Treatment of Rare Inflammatory Kidney Diseases: Drugs Targeting the Terminal Complement Pathway. Front Immunol 2020; 11:599417. [PMID: 33362783 PMCID: PMC7758461 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system comprises the frontline of the innate immune system. Triggered by pathogenic surface patterns in different pathways, the cascade concludes with the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC; complement components C5b to C9) and C5a, a potent anaphylatoxin that elicits various inflammatory signals through binding to C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1). Despite its important role in pathogen elimination, priming and recruitment of myeloid cells from the immune system, as well as crosstalk with other physiological systems, inadvertent activation of the complement system can result in self-attack and overreaction in autoinflammatory diseases. Consequently, it constitutes an interesting target for specialized therapies. The paradigm of safe and efficacious terminal complement pathway inhibition has been demonstrated by the approval of eculizumab in paroxysmal nocturnal hematuria. In addition, complement contribution in rare kidney diseases, such as lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy, or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis has been demonstrated. This review summarizes the involvement of the terminal effector agents of the complement system in these diseases and provides an overview of inhibitors for complement components C5, C5a, C5aR1, and MAC that are currently in clinical development. Furthermore, a link between increased complement activity and lung damage in severe COVID-19 patients is discussed and the potential for use of complement inhibitors in COVID-19 is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Ort
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland.,Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jasper Dingemanse
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - John van den Anker
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Priska Kaufmann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
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29
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Vlaar APJ, de Bruin S, Busch M, Timmermans SAMEG, van Zeggeren IE, Koning R, Ter Horst L, Bulle EB, van Baarle FEHP, van de Poll MCG, Kemper EM, van der Horst ICC, Schultz MJ, Horn J, Paulus F, Bos LD, Wiersinga WJ, Witzenrath M, Rueckinger S, Pilz K, Brouwer MC, Guo RF, Heunks L, van Paassen P, Riedemann NC, van de Beek D. Anti-C5a antibody IFX-1 (vilobelimab) treatment versus best supportive care for patients with severe COVID-19 (PANAMO): an exploratory, open-label, phase 2 randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e764-e773. [PMID: 33015643 PMCID: PMC7521913 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe COVID-19 is characterised by inflammation and coagulation in the presence of complement system activation. We aimed to explore the potential benefit and safety of selectively blocking the anaphylatoxin and complement protein C5a with the monoclonal antibody IFX-1 (vilobelimab), in patients with severe COVID-19. METHODS We did an exploratory, open-label, randomised phase 2 trial (part of the adaptive phase 2/3 PANAMO trial) of intravenous IFX-1 in adults with severe COVID-19 at three academic hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligibility criteria were age 18 years or older; severe pneumonia with pulmonary infiltrates consistent with pneumonia, a clinical history of severe shortness of breath within the past 14 days, or a need for non-invasive or invasive ventilation; severe disease defined as a ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fractional concentration of oxygen in inspired air (PaO2/FiO2) between 100 mm Hg and 250 mm Hg in the supine position; and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection confirmed by RT-PCR. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive IFX-1 (up to seven doses of 800 mg intravenously) plus best supportive care (IFX-1 group) or best supportive care only (control group). The primary outcome was the percentage change in PaO2/FiO2 in the supine position between baseline and day 5. Mortality at 28 days and treatment-emergent and serious adverse events were key secondary outcomes. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population and safety analyses were done in all patients according to treatment received. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04333420). FINDINGS Between March 31 and April 24, 2020, 30 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the IFX-1 group (n=15) or the control group (n=15). During the study it became clear that several patients could not be assessed regularly in the supine position because of severe hypoxaemia. It was therefore decided to focus on all PaO2/FiO2 assessments (irrespective of position). At day 5 after randomisation, the mean PaO2/FiO2 (irrespective of position) was 158 mm Hg (SD 63; range 84-265) in the IFX-1 group and 189 mm Hg (89; 71-329) in the control group. Analyses of the least squares mean relative change in PaO2/FiO2 at day 5 showed no differences between treatment groups (17% change in the IFX-1 group vs 41% in the control group; difference -24% [95% CI -58 to 9], p=0·15. Kaplan-Meier estimates of mortality by 28 days were 13% (95% CI 0-31) for the IFX-1 group and 27% (4-49) for the control group (adjusted hazard ratio for death 0·65 [95% CI 0·10-4·14]). The frequency of serious adverse events were similar between groups (nine [60%] in the IFX-1 group vs seven [47%] in the control group) and no deaths were considered related to treatment assignment. However, a smaller proportion of patients had pulmonary embolisms classed as serious in the IFX-1 group (two [13%]) than in the control group (six [40%]). Infections classed as serious were reported in three (20%) patients in the IFX-1 group versus five (33%) patients in the control group. INTERPRETATION In this small exploratory phase 2 part of the PANAMO trial, C5a inhibition with IFX-1 appears to be safe in patients with severe COVID-19. The secondary outcome results in favour of IFX-1 are preliminary because the study was not powered on these endpoints, but they support the investigation of C5a inhibition with IFX-1 in a phase 3 trial using 28-day mortality as the primary endpoint. FUNDING InflaRx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P J Vlaar
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanne de Bruin
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Busch
- Department of Immunology, Maastricht UMC, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Ingeborg E van Zeggeren
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rutger Koning
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Liora Ter Horst
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther B Bulle
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank E H P van Baarle
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - E Marleen Kemper
- Clinical Pharmacy, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Marcus J Schultz
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Janneke Horn
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frederique Paulus
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe D Bos
- Department of Intensive Care, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - W Joost Wiersinga
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Inflammation, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Leo Heunks
- Department of Intensive Care, Free University, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Kulkarni HS, Ramphal K, Ma L, Brown M, Oyster M, Speckhart KN, Takahashi T, Byers DE, Porteous MK, Kalman L, Hachem RR, Rushefski M, McPhatter J, Cano M, Kreisel D, Scavuzzo M, Mittler B, Cantu E, Pilely K, Garred P, Christie JD, Atkinson JP, Gelman AE, Diamond JM. Local complement activation is associated with primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation. JCI Insight 2020; 5:138358. [PMID: 32750037 PMCID: PMC7526453 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.138358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system plays a key role in host defense but is activated by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a form of acute lung injury occurring predominantly due to IRI, which worsens survival after lung transplantation (LTx). Local complement activation is associated with acute lung injury, but whether it is more reflective of allograft injury compared with systemic activation remains unclear. We proposed that local complement activation would help identify those who develop PGD after LTx. We also aimed to identify which complement activation pathways are associated with PGD. METHODS We performed a multicenter cohort study at the University of Pennsylvania and Washington University School of Medicine. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and plasma specimens were obtained from recipients within 24 hours after LTx. PGD was scored based on the consensus definition. Complement activation products and components of each arm of the complement cascade were measured using ELISA. RESULTS In both cohorts, sC4d and sC5b-9 levels were increased in BAL of subjects with PGD compared with those without PGD. Subjects with PGD also had higher C1q, C2, C4, and C4b, compared with subjects without PGD, suggesting classical and lectin pathway involvement. Ba levels were higher in subjects with PGD, suggesting alternative pathway activation. Among lectin pathway–specific components, MBL and FCN-3 had a moderate-to-strong correlation with the terminal complement complex in the BAL but not in the plasma. CONCLUSION Complement activation fragments are detected in the BAL within 24 hours after LTx. Components of all 3 pathways are locally increased in subjects with PGD. Our findings create a precedent for investigating complement-targeted therapeutics to mitigate PGD. FUNDING This research was supported by the NIH, American Lung Association, Children’s Discovery Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, Danish Heart Foundation, Danish Research Foundation of Independent Research, Svend Andersen Research Foundation, and Novo Nordisk Research Foundation. Substantial differences between local and systemic complement activation in lung transplant recipients who develop primary graft dysfunction are identified in two independent cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrishikesh S Kulkarni
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kristy Ramphal
- Department of Medicine, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lina Ma
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Melanie Brown
- Department of Medicine, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michelle Oyster
- Department of Medicine, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kaitlyn N Speckhart
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tsuyoshi Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Derek E Byers
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mary K Porteous
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Laurel Kalman
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ramsey R Hachem
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Melanie Rushefski
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ja'Nia McPhatter
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Marlene Cano
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel Kreisel
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Brigitte Mittler
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Edward Cantu
- Department of Surgery, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katrine Pilely
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Garred
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jason D Christie
- Department of Medicine, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John P Atkinson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andrew E Gelman
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joshua M Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Java A, Apicelli AJ, Liszewski MK, Coler-Reilly A, Atkinson JP, Kim AH, Kulkarni HS. The complement system in COVID-19: friend and foe? JCI Insight 2020; 5:140711. [PMID: 32554923 PMCID: PMC7455060 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global pandemic and a disruptive health crisis. COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality have been attributed to an exaggerated immune response. The role of complement activation and its contribution to illness severity is being increasingly recognized. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the interaction of coronaviruses with the complement system. We posit that (a) coronaviruses activate multiple complement pathways; (b) severe COVID-19 clinical features often resemble complementopathies; (c) the combined effects of complement activation, dysregulated neutrophilia, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability appear to be intertwined to drive the severe features of COVID-19; (d) a subset of patients with COVID-19 may have a genetic predisposition associated with complement dysregulation; and (e) these observations create a basis for clinical trials of complement inhibitors in life-threatening illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hrishikesh S. Kulkarni
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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32
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Ghias MH, Hyde MJ, Tomalin LE, Morgan BP, Alavi A, Lowes MA, Piguet V. Role of the Complement Pathway in Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Focus on Hidradenitis Suppurativa. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:531-536.e1. [PMID: 31870626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the role of immune dysregulation in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has yet to be elucidated, recent studies identified several complement abnormalities in patients with HS. The complement system serves a critical role in the modulation of immune response and regulation of cutaneous commensal bacteria. Complement is implicated in several inflammatory skin diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, angioedema, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and HS. A model of HS pathogenesis is proposed, integrating the role of commensal bacteria, cutaneous immune responses, and complement dysregulation. The role of complement in disease pathogenesis has led to the development of novel anticomplement agents and clinical trials investigating the efficacy of such treatments in HS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lewis E Tomalin
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Department of Population Health, New York, New York
| | - B Paul Morgan
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Afsaneh Alavi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Vincent Piguet
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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33
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Zelek WM, Xie L, Morgan BP, Harris CL. Compendium of current complement therapeutics. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:341-352. [PMID: 31446305 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is well known for its role in innate immunity and in maintenance of tissue homeostasis, providing a first line of defence against infection and playing a key role in flagging apoptotic cells and debris for disposal. Unfortunately, complement also contributes to pathogenesis of many diseases, in some cases driving pathology, and in others amplifying or exacerbating the inflammatory and damaging impact of non-complement disease triggers. The driving role of complement in a single disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), provoked the development and eventual FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approval of eculizumab (Soliris™), an anti-C5 antibody, for therapy. Although PNH is very rare, eculizumab provided clinical validation and demonstrated that inhibiting the complement system was not only well-tolerated, but also provided rapid therapy and saved lives. This clinical validation, together with advances in genetic analyses that demonstrated strong associations between complement and common diseases, drove new drug discovery programmes in both academic laboratories and large pharmaceutical companies. Numerous drugs have entered clinical development and several are in phase 3 trials; however, many have fallen by the wayside. Despite this high attrition rate, crucial lessons have been learnt and hurdles to development have become clear. These insights have driven development of next generation anti-complement drugs designed to avoid pitfalls and facilitate patient access. In this article, we do not set out to provide a text-heavy review of complement therapeutics but instead will simply highlight the targets, modalities and current status of the plethora of drugs approved or in clinical development. With such a fast-moving drug development landscape, such a compendium will inevitably become out-dated; however, we provide a snapshot of the current field and illustrate the increased choice that clinicians might enjoy in the future in selecting the best drug for their application, decisions based not only on efficacy but also cost, mechanistic target, modality and route of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioleta M Zelek
- Systems Immunity Research Institute and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Long Xie
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Systems Immunity Research Institute and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Claire L Harris
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
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Karasu E, Nilsson B, Köhl J, Lambris JD, Huber-Lang M. Targeting Complement Pathways in Polytrauma- and Sepsis-Induced Multiple-Organ Dysfunction. Front Immunol 2019; 10:543. [PMID: 30949180 PMCID: PMC6437067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to traumatic or infectious insults results in a rapid activation of the complement cascade as major fluid defense system of innate immunity. The complement system acts as a master alarm system during the molecular danger response after trauma and significantly contributes to the clearance of DAMPs and PAMPs. However, depending on the origin and extent of the damaged macro- and micro -milieu, the complement system can also be either excessively activated or inhibited. In both cases, this can lead to a maladaptive immune response and subsequent multiple cellular and organ dysfunction. The arsenal of complement-specific drugs offers promising strategies for various critical conditions after trauma, hemorrhagic shock, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. The imbalanced immune response needs to be detected in a rational and real-time manner before the translational therapeutic potential of these drugs can be fully utilized. Overall, the temporal-spatial complement response after tissue trauma and during sepsis remains somewhat enigmatic and demands a clinical triad: reliable tissue damage assessment, complement activation monitoring, and potent complement targeting to highly specific rebalance the fluid phase innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Karasu
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Laboratory C5:3, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jörg Köhl
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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35
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Harris CL, Pouw RB, Kavanagh D, Sun R, Ricklin D. Developments in anti-complement therapy; from disease to clinical trial. Mol Immunol 2018; 102:89-119. [PMID: 30121124 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is well known for its role in innate immunity and in maintenance of tissue homeostasis, providing a first line of defence against infection and playing a key role in flagging apoptotic cells and debris for disposal. Unfortunately complement also contributes to pathogenesis of a number of diseases; in some cases driving pathology, and in others amplifying or exacerbating the inflammatory and damaging impact of non-complement disease triggers. The role of complement in pathogenesis of an expanding number of diseases has driven industry and academia alike to develop an impressive arsenal of anti-complement drugs which target different proteins and functions of the complement cascade. Evidence from genetic and biochemical analyses, combined with improved identification of complement biomarkers and supportive data from sophisticated animal models of disease, has driven a drug development landscape in which the indications selected for clinical trial cluster in three 'target' tissues: the kidney, eye and vasculature. While the disease triggers may differ, complement activation and amplification is a common feature in many diseases which affect these three tissues. An abundance of drugs are in clinical development, some show favourable progression whereas others experience significant challenges. However, these hurdles in themselves drive an ever-evolving portfolio of 'next-generation' drugs with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. In this review we discuss the indications which are in the drug development 'spotlight' and review the relevant indication validation criteria. We present current progress in clinical trials, highlighting successes and difficulties, and look forward to approval of a wide selection of drugs for use in man which give clinicians choice in mechanistic target, modality and route of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Harris
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Kavanagh
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Ruyue Sun
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, CH-4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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Bujko K, Rzeszotek S, Hoehlig K, Yan J, Vater A, Ratajczak MZ. Signaling of the Complement Cleavage Product Anaphylatoxin C5a Through C5aR (CD88) Contributes to Pharmacological Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018; 13:793-800. [PMID: 28918528 PMCID: PMC5730632 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9769-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several mechanisms have been postulated for orchestrating the mobilization of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and we previously proposed that activation of the complement cascade plays a crucial role in the initiation and execution of the egress of HSPCs from bone marrow (BM) into peripheral blood (PB). In support of this notion, we demonstrated that mice deficient in the mannan-binding lectin (MBL) pathway, which activates the proximal part of the complement cascade, as well as mice deficient in the fifth component of the complement cascade (C5), which is part of the distal part of the complement cascade, are poor mobilizers. To further narrow down on the exact mechanisms and the molecules involved, we performed studies in mice that do not express the receptor C5aR, which binds the C5 cleavage fragments, C5a and C5adesArg. We also employed the plasma stable nucleic acid aptamer AON-D21 that binds and neutralizes C5a and C5adesArg. We present evidence that mice deficient in C5aR or treated with AON-D21 are poor HSPC mobilizers, thereby establishing a critical role for the C5a/C5adesArg-C5aR axis in the mobilization process. While enhancing mobilization is of clinical importance for poor mobilizers, inhibition of the complement cascade could be of therapeutic importance in patients suffering from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) or acquired hemolytic syndrome (aHUS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Bujko
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 500 S. Floyd Street, Rm. 107, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Sylwia Rzeszotek
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 500 S. Floyd Street, Rm. 107, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | | | - Jun Yan
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 500 S. Floyd Street, Rm. 107, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | | | - Mariusz Z Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 500 S. Floyd Street, Rm. 107, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA. .,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland.
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Zhang L, Fedorov Y, Adams D, Lin F. Identification of complement inhibitory activities of two chemotherapeutic agents using a high-throughput cell imaging-based screening assay. Mol Immunol 2018; 101:86-91. [PMID: 29909366 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Excessive complement activation contributes significantly to the pathogeneses of various diseases. Currently, significant developmental research efforts aim to identify complement inhibitors with therapeutic uses have led to the approval of one inhibitor for clinical use. However, most existing complement inhibitors are based on monoclonal antibodies, which have many drawbacks such as high costs and limited administration options. With this report, we establish an inexpensive, cell imaging-based high-throughput assay for the large-scale screening of potential small molecule complement inhibitors. Using this assay, we screened a library containing 3115 bioactive chemical compounds and identified cisplatin and pyridostatin as two new complement inhibitors in addition to nafamostat mesylate, a compound with known complement inhibitory activity. We further demonstrated that cisplatin and pyridostatin inhibit C5 convertases in the classical pathway of complement activation but have no effects on the alternative pathway of complement activation. In summary, this work has established a simple, large-scale, high-throughput assay for screening novel complement inhibitors and discovered previously unknown complement activation inhibitory activities for cisplatin and pyridostatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yuriy Fedorov
- Small Molecules Drug Development Core Facility, Office of Research Administration, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Drew Adams
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States.
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Abstract
The increasing number of clinical conditions that involve a pathological contribution from the complement system - many of which affect the kidneys - has spurred a regained interest in therapeutic options to modulate this host defence pathway. Molecular insight, technological advances, and the first decade of clinical experience with the complement-specific drug eculizumab, have contributed to a growing confidence in therapeutic complement inhibition. More than 20 candidate drugs that target various stages of the complement cascade are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, and additional agents are in preclinical development. Such diversity is clearly needed in view of the complex and distinct involvement of complement in a wide range of clinical conditions, including rare kidney disorders, transplant rejection and haemodialysis-induced inflammation. The existing drugs cannot be applied to all complement-driven diseases, and each indication has to be assessed individually. Alongside considerations concerning optimal points of intervention and economic factors, patient stratification will become essential to identify the best complement-specific therapy for each individual patient. This Review provides an overview of the therapeutic concepts, targets and candidate drugs, summarizes insights from clinical trials, and reflects on existing challenges for the development of complement therapeutics for kidney diseases and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios C Mastellos
- National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Patr. Gregoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str, 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Colley CS, Popovic B, Sridharan S, Debreczeni JE, Hargeaves D, Fung M, An L, Edwards B, Arnold J, England E, Eghobamien L, Sivars U, Flavell L, Renshaw J, Wickson K, Warrener P, Zha J, Bonnell J, Woods R, Wilkinson T, Dobson C, Vaughan TJ. Structure and characterization of a high affinity C5a monoclonal antibody that blocks binding to C5aR1 and C5aR2 receptors. MAbs 2018; 10:104-117. [PMID: 28952876 PMCID: PMC5800367 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1384892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
C5a is a potent anaphylatoxin that modulates inflammation through the C5aR1 and C5aR2 receptors. The molecular interactions between C5a-C5aR1 receptor are well defined, whereas C5a-C5aR2 receptor interactions are poorly understood. Here, we describe the generation of a human antibody, MEDI7814, that neutralizes C5a and C5adesArg binding to the C5aR1 and C5aR2 receptors, without affecting complement-mediated bacterial cell killing. Unlike other anti-C5a mAbs described, this antibody has been shown to inhibit the effects of C5a by blocking C5a binding to both C5aR1 and C5aR2 receptors. The crystal structure of the antibody in complex with human C5a reveals a discontinuous epitope of 22 amino acids. This is the first time the epitope for an antibody that blocks C5aR1 and C5aR2 receptors has been described, and this work provides a basis for molecular studies aimed at further understanding the C5a-C5aR2 receptor interaction. MEDI7814 has therapeutic potential for the treatment of acute inflammatory conditions in which both C5a receptors may mediate inflammation, such as sepsis or renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/chemistry
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibody Affinity
- Antibody Specificity
- Binding Sites, Antibody
- Complement C5a/antagonists & inhibitors
- Complement C5a/chemistry
- Complement C5a/immunology
- Complement C5a/metabolism
- Epitope Mapping/methods
- Epitopes
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Protein Binding
- Protein Conformation
- Protein Engineering
- Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/chemistry
- Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/immunology
- Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/metabolism
- Receptors, Chemokine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Chemokine/chemistry
- Receptors, Chemokine/immunology
- Receptors, Chemokine/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S. Colley
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
- CONTACT Caroline S. Colley Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Bojana Popovic
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Michael Fung
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ling–Ling An
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Bryan Edwards
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joanne Arnold
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elizabeth England
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Eghobamien
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ulf Sivars
- Translational Biology, IMED RIA Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Liz Flavell
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kate Wickson
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Warrener
- Infectious Diseases, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jingying Zha
- Infectious Diseases, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Rob Woods
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Trevor Wilkinson
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire Dobson
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tristan J. Vaughan
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, MedImmune Ltd, Cambridge, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preeclampsia affects 3-4% of pregnancies with few treatment options to reduce maternal and fetal harm. Recent evidence that targeting the complement system may be an effective therapeutic strategy in prevention or treatment of preeclampsia will be reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS Studies in humans confirm the safety and efficacy of C5 blockade in complement-mediated disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia. Animal models mimic the placental abnormalities and/or the maternal symptoms which characterize preeclampsia. These models in mouse and rat have defined a role for complement and its regulators in placental dysfunction, hypertension, proteinuria, endothelial dysfunction, fetal growth restriction, and angiogenic imbalance, thus informing future human studies. Targeting excessive complement activation, particularly the terminal complement complex (C5b-9) and C5a may be an effective strategy to prolong pregnancy in women with preeclampsia. Continued research is needed to identify the initiator(s) of activation, the pathways involved, and the key component(s) in the pathophysiology to allow development of safe and effective therapeutics to target complement without compromising its role in homeostasis and host defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean F Regal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, 1035 University Dr., Duluth, MN, 55812, USA.
| | - Richard M Burwick
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sherry D Fleming
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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41
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Harris CL. Expanding horizons in complement drug discovery: challenges and emerging strategies. Semin Immunopathol 2017; 40:125-140. [PMID: 28986638 PMCID: PMC5794834 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-017-0655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is best known for its role in innate immunity, providing a first line of defence against infection, maintaining tissue homeostasis by flagging apoptotic cells and debris for removal, and orchestrating crosstalk between adaptive and innate immunity. In a growing number of diseases, complement is known to drive pathogenesis or to contribute as an inflammatory amplifier of a disease trigger. Association of complement with common and devastating diseases has driven an upsurge in complement drug discovery, but despite a wealth of knowledge in the complexities of the cascade, and many decades of effort, very few drugs have progressed to late-stage clinical studies. The reasons for this are becoming clear with difficulties including high target concentration and turnover, lack of clarity around disease mechanism and unwanted side effects. Lessons learnt from drugs which are either approved, or are currently in late-stage development, or have failed and dropped off the drug development landscape, have been invaluable to drive a new generation of innovative drugs which are progressing through clinical development. In this review, the challenges associated with complement drug discovery are discussed and the current drug development landscape is reviewed. The latest approaches to improve drug characteristics are explored and those agents which employ these technologies to improve accessibility to patients are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Harris
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, 3rd floor William Leech Building, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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42
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Ricklin D, Barratt-Due A, Mollnes TE. Complement in clinical medicine: Clinical trials, case reports and therapy monitoring. Mol Immunol 2017; 89:10-21. [PMID: 28576323 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Research during past decades made it evident that complement is involved in more tasks than fighting infections, but has important roles in other immune surveillance and housekeeping functions. If the balance between complement activation and regulation is out of tune, however, complement can quickly turn against the host and contribute to adverse processes that result in various clinical conditions. Whereas clinical awareness was initially focused on complement deficiencies, excessive activation and insufficient regulation are frequently the dominant factors in complement-related disorders. The individual complement profile of a patient often determines the course and severity of the disease, and the pathophysiological involvement of complement may be highly diverse. As a consequence, complement assays have evolved as essential tools not only in initial diagnosis but also for following disease progression and for monitoring complement-targeted therapies, which become increasingly available in routine clinical use. We herein review the current state of complement-directed drug candidates in clinical evaluation and provide an overview of extended indications considered for the FDA-approved inhibitor eculizumab. Furthermore we review the literature describing cases reports and case series where eculizumab has been used "off-label". Finally, we give a summary of the currently available tests to measure complement profiles and discuss their suitability in diagnostics and treatment monitoring. With complement finally entering the clinical arena, there are intriguing opportunities for treating complement-mediated diseases. However, this progress also requires a new awareness about complement pathophysiology, adequate diagnostic tools and suitable treatment options among clinicians treating patients with such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Barratt-Due
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, and K. G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, Norway; Department of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom Eirik Mollnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, and K. G. Jebsen Inflammation Research Centre, University of Oslo, Norway; Research Laboratory Nordland Hospital, Bodø, and K. G. Jebsen TREC, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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