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Tschongov T, Konwar S, Busch A, Sievert C, Hartmann A, Noris M, Gastoldi S, Aiello S, Schaaf A, Panse J, Zipfel PF, Dabrowska-Schlepp P, Häffner K. Moss-produced human complement factor H with modified glycans has an extended half-life and improved biological activity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383123. [PMID: 38799460 PMCID: PMC11117068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Most drugs that target the complement system are designed to inhibit the complement pathway at either the proximal or terminal levels. The use of a natural complement regulator such as factor H (FH) could provide a superior treatment option by restoring the balance of an overactive complement system while preserving its normal physiological functions. Until now, the systemic treatment of complement-associated disorders with FH has been deemed unfeasible, primarily due to high production costs, risks related to FH purified from donors' blood, and the challenging expression of recombinant FH in different host systems. We recently demonstrated that a moss-based expression system can produce high yields of properly folded, fully functional, recombinant FH. However, the half-life of the initial variant (CPV-101) was relatively short. Here we show that the same polypeptide with modified glycosylation (CPV-104) achieves a pharmacokinetic profile comparable to that of native FH derived from human serum. The treatment of FH-deficient mice with CPV-104 significantly improved important efficacy parameters such as the normalization of serum C3 levels and the rapid degradation of C3 deposits in the kidney compared to treatment with CPV-101. Furthermore, CPV-104 showed comparable functionality to serum-derived FH in vitro, as well as similar performance in ex vivo assays involving samples from patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy and paroxysomal nocturnal hematuria. CPV-104 - the human FH analog expressed in moss - will therefore allow the treatment of complement-associated human diseases by rebalancing instead of inhibiting the complement cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todor Tschongov
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Swagata Konwar
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Andrea Hartmann
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Insitute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Marina Noris
- Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare “Aldo e Cele Dacco”, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gastoldi
- Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare “Aldo e Cele Dacco”, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sistiana Aiello
- Centro di Ricerche Cliniche per le Malattie Rare “Aldo e Cele Dacco”, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Jens Panse
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (ABCD) Germany Pauwelsstrasse 30, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Insitute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Karsten Häffner
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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2
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Sonnentag SJ, Dopler A, Kleiner K, Garg BK, Mannes M, Späth N, Akilah A, Höchsmann B, Schrezenmeier H, Anliker M, Boyanapalli R, Huber-Lang M, Schmidt CQ. Triple-fusion protein (TriFu): A potent, targeted, enzyme-like inhibitor of all three complement activation pathways. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105784. [PMID: 38401844 PMCID: PMC11065761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of a therapeutic anti-C5 antibody into clinical practice in 2007 inspired a surge into the development of complement-targeted therapies. This has led to the recent approval of a C3 inhibitory peptide, an antibody directed against C1s and a full pipeline of several complement inhibitors in preclinical and clinical development. However, no inhibitor is available that efficiently inhibits all three complement initiation pathways and targets host cell surface markers as well as complement opsonins. To overcome this, we engineered a novel fusion protein combining selected domains of the three natural complement regulatory proteins decay accelerating factor, factor H and complement receptor 1. Such a triple fusion complement inhibitor (TriFu) was recombinantly expressed and purified alongside multiple variants and its building blocks. We analyzed these proteins for ligand binding affinity and decay acceleration activity by surface plasmon resonance. Additionally, we tested complement inhibition in several in vitro/ex vivo assays using standard classical and alternative pathway restricted hemolysis assays next to hemolysis assays with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria erythrocytes. A novel in vitro model of the alternative pathway disease C3 glomerulopathy was established to evaluate the potential of the inhibitors to stop C3 deposition on endothelial cells. Next to the novel engineered triple fusion variants which inactivate complement convertases in an enzyme-like fashion, stoichiometric complement inhibitors targeting C3, C5, factor B, and factor D were tested as comparators. The triple fusion approach yielded a potent complement inhibitor that efficiently inhibits all three complement initiation pathways while targeting to surface markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia J Sonnentag
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arthur Dopler
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katharina Kleiner
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Marco Mannes
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nadja Späth
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Amira Akilah
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Britta Höchsmann
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Anliker
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany; Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, Biochemical Pharmacy Group, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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3
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Sándor N, Schneider AE, Matola AT, Barbai VH, Bencze D, Hammad HH, Papp A, Kövesdi D, Uzonyi B, Józsi M. The human factor H protein family - an update. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1135490. [PMID: 38410512 PMCID: PMC10894998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1135490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Complement is an ancient and complex network of the immune system and, as such, it plays vital physiological roles, but it is also involved in numerous pathological processes. The proper regulation of the complement system is important to allow its sufficient and targeted activity without deleterious side-effects. Factor H is a major complement regulator, and together with its splice variant factor H-like protein 1 and the five human factor H-related (FHR) proteins, they have been linked to various diseases. The role of factor H in inhibiting complement activation is well studied, but the function of the FHRs is less characterized. Current evidence supports the main role of the FHRs as enhancers of complement activation and opsonization, i.e., counter-balancing the inhibitory effect of factor H. FHRs emerge as soluble pattern recognition molecules and positive regulators of the complement system. In addition, factor H and some of the FHR proteins were shown to modulate the activity of immune cells, a non-canonical function outside the complement cascade. Recent efforts have intensified to study factor H and the FHRs and develop new tools for the distinction, quantification and functional characterization of members of this protein family. Here, we provide an update and overview on the versatile roles of factor H family proteins, what we know about their biological functions in healthy conditions and in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Sándor
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Veronika H. Barbai
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Bencze
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hani Hashim Hammad
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Papp
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Kövesdi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Abramczyk D, Del Carmen Sanchez Olmos M, Rojas AAR, Schindler D, Robertson D, McColm S, Marston AL, Barlow PN. A supernumerary synthetic chromosome in Komagataella phaffii as a repository for extraneous genetic material. Microb Cell Fact 2023; 22:259. [PMID: 38104077 PMCID: PMC10724962 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-023-02262-4] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) is a methylotrophic commercially important non-conventional species of yeast that grows in a fermentor to exceptionally high densities on simple media and secretes recombinant proteins efficiently. Genetic engineering strategies are being explored in this organism to facilitate cost-effective biomanufacturing. Small, stable artificial chromosomes in K. phaffii could offer unique advantages by accommodating multiple integrations of extraneous genes and their promoters without accumulating perturbations of native chromosomes or exhausting the availability of selection markers. RESULTS Here, we describe a linear "nano"chromosome (of 15-25 kb) that, according to whole-genome sequencing, persists in K. phaffii over many generations with a copy number per cell of one, provided non-homologous end joining is compromised (by KU70-knockout). The nanochromosome includes a copy of the centromere from K. phaffii chromosome 3, a K. phaffii-derived autonomously replicating sequence on either side of the centromere, and a pair of K. phaffii-like telomeres. It contains, within its q arm, a landing zone in which genes of interest alternate with long (approx. 1-kb) non-coding DNA chosen to facilitate homologous recombination and serve as spacers. The landing zone can be extended along the nanochromosome, in an inch-worming mode of sequential gene integrations, accompanied by recycling of just two antibiotic-resistance markers. The nanochromosome was used to express PDI, a gene encoding protein disulfide isomerase. Co-expression with PDI allowed the production, from a genomically integrated gene, of secreted murine complement factor H, a plasma protein containing 40 disulfide bonds. As further proof-of-principle, we co-expressed, from a nanochromosome, both PDI and a gene for GFP-tagged human complement factor H under the control of PAOX1 and demonstrated that the secreted protein was active as a regulator of the complement system. CONCLUSIONS We have added K. phaffii to the list of organisms that can produce human proteins from genes carried on a stable, linear, artificial chromosome. We envisage using nanochromosomes as repositories for numerous extraneous genes, allowing intensive engineering of K. phaffii without compromising its genome or weakening the resulting strain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Schindler
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Robertson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Adele L Marston
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul N Barlow
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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5
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Bechtler C, Koutsogiannaki S, Umnyakova E, Hamid A, Gautam A, Sarigiannis Y, Pouw RB, Lamers C, Rabbani S, Schmidt CQ, Lambris JD, Ricklin D. Complement-regulatory biomaterial coatings: Activity and selectivity profile of the factor H-binding peptide 5C6. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:123-138. [PMID: 36328123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.055] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of biomaterials in modern medicine has enabled advanced drug delivery strategies and led to reduced morbidity and mortality in a variety of interventions such as transplantation or hemodialysis. However, immune-mediated reactions still present a serious complication of these applications. One of the drivers of such reactions is the complement system, a central part of humoral innate immunity that acts as a first-in-line defense system in its own right but also coordinates other host defense responses. A major regulator of the complement system is the abundant plasma protein factor H (FH), which impairs the amplification of complement responses. Previously, we could show that it is possible to recruit FH to biomedical surfaces using the phage display-derived cyclic peptide 5C6 and, consequently, reduce deposition of C3b, an activation product of the complement system. However, the optimal orientation of 5C6 on surfaces, structural determinants within the peptide for the binding, and the exact binding region on FH remained unknown. Here, we show that the cyclic core and C-terminal region of 5C6 are essential for its interaction with FH and that coating through its N-terminus strongly increases FH recruitment and reduces C3-mediated opsonization in a microparticle-based assay. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that 5C6 selectively binds to FH but not to related proteins. The observation that 5C6 also binds murine FH raises the potential for translational evaluation in animal models. This work provides important insight for the future development of 5C6 as a probe or therapeutic entity to reduce complement activation on biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterials have evolved into core technologies critical to biomedical and drug delivery applications alike, yet their safe and efficient use may be adversely impacted by immune responses to the foreign materials. Taking inspiration from microbial immune evasion strategies, our group developed a peptide-based surface coating that recruits factor H (FH), a host regulator of the complement system, from plasma to the material surface and prevents unwanted activation of this innate immunity pathway. In this study, we identified the molecular determinants that define the interaction between FH and the coated peptide, developed tethering strategies with largely enhanced binding capacity and provided important insight into the target selectivity and species specificity of the FH-binding peptide, thereby paving the way for preclinical development steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Bechtler
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Koutsogiannaki
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ekaterina Umnyakova
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amal Hamid
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Avneesh Gautam
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yiannis Sarigiannis
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Lamers
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Said Rabbani
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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6
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Schmidt T, Afonso S, Perie L, Heidenreich K, Wulf S, Krebs CF, Zipfel PF, Wiech T. An Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Approach to Guide Therapy in C3 Glomerulopathy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:826513. [PMID: 35693785 PMCID: PMC9186056 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.826513] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the re-classification of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis the new disease entity C3 glomerulopathy is diagnosed if C3 deposition is clearly dominant over immunoglobulins in immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Although this new definition is more orientated at the pathophysiology as mediated by activity of the alternative complement pathway C3 glomerulopathy remains a heterogenous group of disorders. Genetic or autoimmune causes are associated in several but not in all patients with this disease. However, prognosis is poorly predictable, and clinicians cannot directly identify patients that might benefit from therapy. Moreover, therapy may range from supportive care alone, unspecific immune suppression, plasma treatment, or plasma exchange to complement inhibition. The current biopsy based diagnostic approaches sometimes combined with complement profiling are not sufficient to guide clinicians neither (i) whether to treat an individual patient, nor (ii) to choose the best therapy. With this perspective, we propose an interdisciplinary diagnostic approach, including detailed analysis of the kidney biopsy for morphological alterations and immunohistochemical staining, for genetic analyses of complement genes, complement activation patterning in plasma, and furthermore for applying novel approaches for convertase typing and complement profiling directly in renal tissue. Such a combined diagnostic approach was used here for a 42-year-old female patient with a novel mutation in the Factor H gene, C3 glomerulopathy and signs of chronic endothelial damage. We present here an approach that might in future help to guide therapy of renal diseases with relevant complement activation, especially since diverse new anti-complement agents are under clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Schmidt
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sara Afonso
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Luce Perie
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Sonia Wulf
- Nephropathology Section, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian F Krebs
- Division of Translational Immunology, III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Nephropathology Section, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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7
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Kárpáti É, Kremlitzka M, Sándor N, Hajnal D, Schneider AE, Józsi M. Complement Factor H Family Proteins Modulate Monocyte and Neutrophil Granulocyte Functions. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660852. [PMID: 34671340 PMCID: PMC8521052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides being a key effector arm of innate immunity, a plethora of non-canonical functions of complement has recently been emerging. Factor H (FH), the main regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation, has been reported to bind to various immune cells and regulate their functions, beyond its role in modulating complement activation. In this study we investigated the effect of FH, its alternative splice product FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1), the FH-related (FHR) proteins FHR-1 and FHR-5, and the recently developed artificial complement inhibitor mini-FH, on two key innate immune cells, monocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes. We found that, similar to FH, the other factor H family proteins FHL-1, FHR-1 and FHR-5, as well as the recombinant mini-FH, are able to bind to both monocytes and neutrophils. As a functional outcome, immobilized FH and FHR-1 inhibited PMA-induced NET formation, but increased the adherence and IL-8 production of neutrophils. FHL-1 increased only the adherence of the cells, while FHR-5 was ineffective in altering these functions. The adherence of monocytes was increased on FH, recombinant mini-FH and FHL-1 covered surfaces and, except for FHL-1, the same molecules also enhanced secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα. When monocytes were stimulated with LPS in the presence of immobilized FH family proteins, FH, FHL-1 and mini-FH enhanced whereas FHR-1 and FHR-5 decreased the secretion of TNFα; FHL-1 and mini-FH also enhanced IL-10 release compared to the effect of LPS alone. Our results reveal heterogeneous effects of FH and FH family members on monocytes and neutrophils, altering key features involved in pathogen killing, and also demonstrate that FH-based complement inhibitors, such as mini-FH, may have effects beyond their function of inhibiting complement activation. Thus, our data provide new insight into the non-canonical functions of FH, FHL-1, FHR-1 and FHR-5 that might be exploited during protection against infections and in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Kárpáti
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mariann Kremlitzka
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Sándor
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Complement Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Hajnal
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea E Schneider
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Complement Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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8
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Kerr H, Herbert AP, Makou E, Abramczyk D, Malik TH, Lomax-Browne H, Yang Y, Pappworth IY, Denton H, Richards A, Marchbank KJ, Pickering MC, Barlow PN. Murine Factor H Co-Produced in Yeast With Protein Disulfide Isomerase Ameliorated C3 Dysregulation in Factor H-Deficient Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:681098. [PMID: 34054871 PMCID: PMC8149785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.681098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant human factor H (hFH) has potential for treating diseases linked to aberrant complement regulation including C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and dry age-related macular degeneration. Murine FH (mFH), produced in the same host, is useful for pre-clinical investigations in mouse models of disease. An abundance of FH in plasma suggests high doses, and hence microbial production, will be needed. Previously, Pichia pastoris produced useful but modest quantities of hFH. Herein, a similar strategy yielded miniscule quantities of mFH. Since FH has 40 disulfide bonds, we created a P. pastoris strain containing a methanol-inducible codon-modified gene for protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) and transformed this with codon-modified DNA encoding mFH under the same promoter. What had been barely detectable yields of mFH became multiple 10s of mg/L. Our PDI-overexpressing strain also boosted hFH overproduction, by about tenfold. These enhancements exceeded PDI-related production gains reported for other proteins, all of which contain fewer disulfide-stabilized domains. We optimized fermentation conditions, purified recombinant mFH, enzymatically trimmed down its (non-human) N-glycans, characterised its functions in vitro and administered it to mice. In FH-knockout mice, our de-glycosylated recombinant mFH had a shorter half-life and induced more anti-mFH antibodies than mouse serum-derived, natively glycosylated, mFH. Even sequential daily injections of recombinant mFH failed to restore wild-type levels of FH and C3 in mouse plasma beyond 24 hours after the first injection. Nevertheless, mFH functionality appeared to persist in the glomerular basement membrane because C3-fragment deposition here, a hallmark of C3G, remained significantly reduced throughout and beyond the ten-day dosing regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kerr
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P. Herbert
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Elisavet Makou
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dariusz Abramczyk
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Talat H. Malik
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Lomax-Browne
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Yang
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Y. Pappworth
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Denton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Richards
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Marchbank
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Center, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C. Pickering
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N. Barlow
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Poppelaars F, Goicoechea de Jorge E, Jongerius I, Baeumner AJ, Steiner MS, Józsi M, Toonen EJM, Pauly D. A Family Affair: Addressing the Challenges of Factor H and the Related Proteins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660194. [PMID: 33868311 PMCID: PMC8044877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a common denominator of diseases. The complement system, an intrinsic part of the innate immune system, is a key driver of inflammation in numerous disorders. Recently, a family of proteins has been suggested to be of vital importance in conditions characterized by complement dysregulation: the human Factor H (FH) family. This group of proteins consists of FH, Factor H-like protein 1 and five Factor H-related proteins. The FH family has been linked to infectious, vascular, eye, kidney and autoimmune diseases. In contrast to FH, the functions of the other highly homologous proteins are largely unknown and, hence, their role in the different disease-specific pathogenic mechanisms remains elusive. In this perspective review, we address the major challenges ahead in this emerging area, including 1) the controversies about the functional roles of the FH protein family, 2) the discrepancies in quantification of the FH protein family, 3) the unmet needs for validated tools and 4) limitations of animal models. Next, we also discuss the opportunities that exist for the immunology community. A strong multidisciplinary approach is required to solve these obstacles and is only possible through interdisciplinary collaboration between biologists, chemists, geneticists and physicians. We position this review in light of our own perspective, as principal investigators of the SciFiMed Consortium, a consortium aiming to create a comprehensive analytical system for the quantitative and functional assessment of the entire FH protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Poppelaars
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Elena Goicoechea de Jorge
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ilse Jongerius
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antje J. Baeumner
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Chemo-and Biosensors, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Mihály Józsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Complement Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Diana Pauly
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Experimental Ophthalmology, University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Gómez Delgado I, Corvillo F, Nozal P, Arjona E, Madrid Á, Melgosa M, Bravo J, Szilágyi Á, Csuka D, Veszeli N, Prohászka Z, Sánchez-Corral P. Complement Genetic Variants and FH Desialylation in S. pneumoniae-Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641656. [PMID: 33777036 PMCID: PMC7991904 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae infections (SP-HUS) is a clinically well-known entity that generally affects infants, and could have a worse prognosis than HUS associated to E. coli infections. It has been assumed that complement genetic variants associated with primary atypical HUS cases (aHUS) do not contribute to SP-HUS, which is solely attributed to the action of the pneumococcal neuraminidase on the host cellular surfaces. We previously identified complement pathogenic variants and risk polymorphisms in a few Hungarian SP-HUS patients, and have now extended these studies to a cohort of 13 Spanish SP-HUS patients. Five patients presented rare complement variants of unknown significance, but the frequency of the risk haplotypes in the CFH-CFHR3-CFHR1 region was similar to the observed in aHUS. Moreover, we observed desialylation of Factor H (FH) and the FH-Related proteins in plasma samples from 2 Spanish and 4 Hungarian SP-HUS patients. To analyze the functional relevance of this finding, we compared the ability of native and "in vitro" desialylated FH in: (a) binding to C3b-coated microtiter plates; (b) proteolysis of fluid-phase and surface-bound C3b by Factor I; (c) dissociation of surface bound-C3bBb convertase; (d) haemolytic assays on sheep erythrocytes. We found that desialylated FH had reduced capacity to control complement activation on sheep erythrocytes, suggesting a role for FH sialic acids on binding to cellular surfaces. We conclude that aHUS-risk variants in the CFH-CFHR3-CFHR1 region could also contribute to disease-predisposition to SP-HUS, and that transient desialylation of complement FH by the pneumococcal neuraminidase may have a role in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Gómez Delgado
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Corvillo
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Nozal
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Immunology Unit, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Arjona
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Margarita Salas Center for Biological Research, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Madrid
- Pediatric Nephrology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Melgosa
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Bravo
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ágnes Szilágyi
- Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Csuka
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University- Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Veszeli
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University- Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Prohászka
- Research Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pilar Sánchez-Corral
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
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11
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Dopler A, Stibitzky S, Hevey R, Mannes M, Guariento M, Höchsmann B, Schrezenmeier H, Ricklin D, Schmidt CQ. Deregulation of Factor H by Factor H-Related Protein 1 Depends on Sialylation of Host Surfaces. Front Immunol 2021; 12:615748. [PMID: 33732239 PMCID: PMC7959842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.615748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To discriminate between self and non-self surfaces and facilitate immune surveillance, the complement system relies on the interplay between surface-directed activators and regulators. The dimeric modulator FHR-1 is hypothesized to competitively remove the complement regulator FH from surfaces that strongly fix opsonic C3b molecules—a process known as “deregulation.” The C-terminal regions of FH and FHR-1 provide the basis of this competition. They contain binding sites for C3b and host surface markers and are identical except for two substitutions: S1191L and V1197A (i.e., FH “SV”; FHR-1 “LA”). Intriguingly, an FHR-1 variant featuring the “SV” combination of FH predisposes to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). The functional impact of these mutations on complement (de)regulation, and their pathophysiological consequences, have largely remained elusive. We have addressed these questions using recombinantly expressed wildtype, mutated, and truncated versions of FHR-1 and FH. The “SV” to “LA” substitutions did not affect glycosaminoglycan recognition and had only a small effect on C3b binding. In contrast, the two amino acids substantially affected the binding of FH and FHR-1 to α2,3-linked sialic acids as host surfaces markers, with the S-to-L substitution causing an almost complete loss of recognition. Even with sialic acid-binding constructs, notable deregulation was only detected on host and not foreign cells. The aHUS-associated “SV” mutation converts FHR-1 into a sialic acid binder which, supported by its dimeric nature, enables excessive FH deregulation and, thus, complement activation on host surfaces. While we also observed inhibitory activities of FHR-1 on C3 and C5 convertases, the high concentrations required render the physiological impact uncertain. In conclusion, the SV-to-LA substitution in the C-terminal regions of FH and FHR-1 diminishes its sialic acid-binding ability and results in an FHR-1 molecule that only moderately deregulates FH. Such FH deregulation by FHR-1 only occurs on host/host-like surfaces that recruit FH. Conversion of FHR-1 into a sialic acid binder potentiates the deregulatory capacity of FHR-1 and thus explains the pathophysiology of the aHUS-associated FHR-1 “SV” variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Dopler
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Selina Stibitzky
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Rachel Hevey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Mannes
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mara Guariento
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Britta Höchsmann
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service and University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service and University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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12
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Sugar Matters: Improving In Vivo Clearance Rate of Highly Glycosylated Recombinant Plasma Proteins for Therapeutic Use. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010054. [PMID: 33440845 PMCID: PMC7826800 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010054] [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: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Correct glycosylation of proteins is essential for production of therapeutic proteins as glycosylation is important for protein solubility, stability, half-life and immunogenicity. The heavily glycosylated plasma protein C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) is used in treatment of hereditary angioedema attacks. In this study, we used C1-INH as a model protein to propose an approach to develop recombinant glycoproteins with the desired glycosylation. We produced fully functional recombinant C1-INH in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. In vivo we observed a biphasic clearance, indicating different glycosylation forms. N-glycan analysis with mass spectrometry indeed demonstrated heterogeneous glycosylation for recombinant C1-INH containing terminal galactose and terminal sialic acid. Using a Ricinus Communis Agglutinin I (RCA120) column, we could reduce the relative abundance of terminal galactose and increase the relative abundance of terminal sialic acid. This resulted in a fully active protein with a similar in vivo clearance rate to plasmaderived C1-INH. In summary, we describe the development of a recombinant human glycoprotein using simple screening tools to obtain a product that is similar in function and in vivo clearance rate to its plasma-derived counterpart. The approach used here is of potential use in the development of other therapeutic recombinant human glycoproteins.
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13
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Dekkers G, Brouwer MC, Jeremiasse J, Kamp A, Biggs RM, van Mierlo G, Lauder S, Katti S, Kuijpers TW, Rispens T, Jongerius I. Unraveling the Effect of a Potentiating Anti-Factor H Antibody on Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome-Associated Factor H Variants. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:1778-1786. [PMID: 32848031 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The complement system plays an important role in our innate immune system. Complement activation results in clearance of pathogens, immune complex, and apoptotic cells. The host is protected from complement-mediated damage by several complement regulators. Factor H (FH) is the most important fluid-phase regulator of the alternative pathway of the complement system. Heterozygous mutations in FH are associated with complement-related diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and age-related macular degeneration. We recently described an agonistic anti-FH mAb that can potentiate the regulatory function of FH. This Ab could serve as a potential new drug for aHUS patients and alternative to C5 blockade by eculizumab. However, it is unclear whether this Ab can potentiate FH mutant variants in addition to wild-type (WT) FH. In this study, the functionality and potential of the agonistic Ab in the context of pathogenic aHUS-related FH mutant proteins was investigated. The binding affinity of recombinant WT FH and the FH variants, W1183L, V1197A, R1210C, and G1194D to C3b was increased upon addition of the potentiating Ab and similarly, the decay-accelerating activity of all mutants is increased. The potentiating anti-FH Ab is able to restore the surface regulatory function of most of the tested FH mutants to WT FH levels on a human HAP-1 cell line and on sheep erythrocytes. In conclusion, our potentiating anti-FH is broadly active and able to enhance both WT FH function as well as most aHUS-associated FH variants tested in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Dekkers
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mieke C Brouwer
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jorn Jeremiasse
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Angela Kamp
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gerard van Mierlo
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and.,Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ilse Jongerius
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; .,Department of Pediatric Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and
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14
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Dopler A, Guntau L, Harder MJ, Palmer A, Höchsmann B, Schrezenmeier H, Simmet T, Huber-Lang M, Schmidt CQ. Self versus Nonself Discrimination by the Soluble Complement Regulators Factor H and FHL-1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:2082-2094. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Schmidt CQ, Hipgrave Ederveen AL, Harder MJ, Wuhrer M, Stehle T, Blaum BS. Biophysical analysis of sialic acid recognition by the complement regulator Factor H. Glycobiology 2019; 28:765-773. [PMID: 29982679 PMCID: PMC6142864 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwy061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement factor H (FH), an elongated and substantially glycosylated 20-domain protein, is a soluble regulator of the complement alternative pathway (AP). It contains several glycan binding sites which mediate recognition of α2-3-linked sialic acid (FH domain 20) and glycosaminoglycans (domains 6–8 and 19–20). FH also binds the complement C3-activation product C3b, a powerful opsonin and focal point for the formation of C3-convertases of the AP feedback loop. In freely circulating FH the C3b binding site in domains 19–20 is occluded, a phenomenon that is not fully understood and could be mediated by an intramolecular interaction between FH’s intrinsic sialylated glycosylation and its own sialic acid binding site. In order to assess this possibility, we characterized FH’s sialylation with respect to glycosidic linkage type and searched for further potential, not yet characterized sialic acid binding sites in FH and its seven-domain spanning splice variant and fellow complement regulator FH like-1 (FHL-1). We also probed FH binding to the sialic acid variant Neu5Gc which is not expressed in humans but on heterologous erythrocytes that restrict the human AP and in FH transgenic mice. We find that FH contains mostly α2-6-linked sialic acid, making an intramolecular interaction with its α2-3-sialic acid specific binding site and an associated self-lock mechanism unlikely, substantiate that there is only a single sialic acid binding site in FH and none in FHL-1, and demonstrate direct binding of FH to the nonhuman sialic acid Neu5Gc, supporting the use of FH transgenic mouse models for studies of complement-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Agnes L Hipgrave Ederveen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Markus J Harder
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thilo Stehle
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bärbel S Blaum
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Wijeratne SS, Nolasco L, Li J, Jiang K, Moake JL, Kiang CH. Correlating Conformational Dynamics with the Von Willebrand Factor Reductase Activity of Factor H Using Single Molecule Force Measurements. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:10653-10658. [PMID: 30351116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b06153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of proteins often involves conformational transitions, and these switches are often difficult to characterize in multidomain proteins. Full-length factor H (FH), consisting of 20 small consensus repeat domains (150 kD), is a complement control protein that regulates the activity of the alternative complement pathway. Different preparations of FH can also reduce the disulfide bonds linking large Von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers into smaller, less adhesive forms. In contrast, commercially available purified FH (pFH) has little or no VWF reductase activity unless the pFH is chemically modified by either ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or urea. We used atomic force microscopy single molecule force measurements to investigate different forms of FH, including recombinant FH and pFH, in the presence or absence of EDTA and urea, and to correlate the conformational changes to its activities. We found that the FH conformation depends on the method used for sample preparation, which affects the VWF reductase activity of FH.
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17
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Osborne AJ, Nan R, Miller A, Bhatt JS, Gor J, Perkins SJ. Two distinct conformations of factor H regulate discrete complement-binding functions in the fluid phase and at cell surfaces. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:17166-17187. [PMID: 30217822 PMCID: PMC6222095 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Factor H (FH) is the major regulator of C3b in the alternative pathway of the complement system in immunity. FH comprises 20 short complement regulator (SCR) domains, including eight glycans, and its Y402H polymorphism predisposes those who carry it to age-related macular degeneration. To better understand FH complement binding and self-association, we have studied the solution structures of both the His-402 and Tyr-402 FH allotypes. Analytical ultracentrifugation revealed that up to 12% of both FH allotypes self-associate, and this was confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), MS, and surface plasmon resonance analyses. SAXS showed that monomeric FH has a radius of gyration (Rg ) of 7.2-7.8 nm and a length of 25 nm. Starting from known structures for the SCR domains and glycans, the SAXS data were fitted using Monte Carlo methods to determine atomistic structures of monomeric FH. The analysis of 29,715 physically realistic but randomized FH conformations resulted in 100 similar best-fit FH structures for each allotype. Two distinct molecular structures resulted that showed either an extended N-terminal domain arrangement with a folded-back C terminus or an extended C terminus and a folded-back N terminus. These two structures are the most accurate to date for glycosylated full-length FH. To clarify FH functional roles in host protection, crystal structures for the FH complexes with C3b and C3dg revealed that the extended N-terminal conformation accounted for C3b fluid-phase regulation, the extended C-terminal conformation accounted for C3d binding, and both conformations accounted for bivalent FH binding to glycosaminoglycans on the target cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Osborne
- From the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruodan Nan
- From the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ami Miller
- From the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Jayesh S Bhatt
- From the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Jayesh Gor
- From the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Perkins
- From the Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Darwin Building, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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18
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Yang Y, Denton H, Davies OR, Smith-Jackson K, Kerr H, Herbert AP, Barlow PN, Pickering MC, Marchbank KJ. An Engineered Complement Factor H Construct for Treatment of C3 Glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:1649-1661. [PMID: 29588430 PMCID: PMC6054357 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017091006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is associated with dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation, and treatment options for C3G remain limited. Complement factor H (FH) is a potent regulator of the alternative pathway and might offer a solution, but the mass and complexity of FH makes generation of full-length FH far from trivial. We previously generated a mini-FH construct, with FH short consensus repeats 1-5 linked to repeats 18-20 (FH1-5^18-20), that was effective in experimental C3G. However, the serum t1/2 of FH1-5^18-20 was significantly shorter than that of serum-purified FH.Methods We introduced the oligomerization domain of human FH-related protein 1 (denoted by R1-2) at the carboxy or amino terminus of human FH1-5^18-20 to generate two homodimeric mini-FH constructs (FHR1-2^1-5^18-20 and FH1-5^18-20^R1-2, respectively) in Chinese hamster ovary cells and tested these constructs using binding, fluid-phase, and erythrocyte lysis assays, followed by experiments in FH-deficient Cfh-/- mice.Results FHR1-2^1-5^18-20 and FH1-5^18-20^R1-2 homodimerized in solution and displayed avid binding profiles on clustered C3b surfaces, particularly FHR1-2^1-5^18-20 Each construct was >10-fold more effective than FH at inhibiting cell surface complement activity in vitro and restricted glomerular basement membrane C3 deposition in vivo significantly better than FH or FH1-5^18-20 FH1-5^18-20^R1-2 had a C3 breakdown fragment binding profile similar to that of FH, a >5-fold increase in serum t1/2 compared with that of FH1-5^18-20, and significantly better retention in the kidney than FH or FH1-5^18-20Conclusions FH1-5^18-20^R1-2 may have utility as a treatment option for C3G or other complement-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Harriet Denton
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Owen R Davies
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate Smith-Jackson
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Heather Kerr
- Department of Chemistry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK; and
| | - Andrew P Herbert
- Department of Chemistry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK; and
| | - Paul N Barlow
- Department of Chemistry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK; and
| | | | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK;
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19
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Lorés-Motta L, Paun CC, Corominas J, Pauper M, Geerlings MJ, Altay L, Schick T, Daha MR, Fauser S, Hoyng CB, den Hollander AI, de Jong EK. Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Variants in CFH and CFHR4 Associated with Systemic Complement Activation: Implications in Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Ophthalmology 2018; 125:1064-1074. [PMID: 29398083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify genetic variants associated with complement activation, which may help to select age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients for complement-inhibiting therapies. DESIGN Genome-wide association study (GWAS) followed by replication and meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS AMD patients and controls (n = 2245). METHODS A GWAS on serum C3d-to-C3 ratio was performed in 1548 AMD patients and controls. For replication and meta-analysis, 697 additional individuals were genotyped. A model for complement activation including genetic and non-genetic factors was built, and the variance explained was estimated. Haplotype analysis was performed for 8 SNPs across the CFH/CFHR locus. Association with AMD was performed for the variants and haplotypes found to influence complement activation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Normalized C3d/C3 ratio as a measure of systemic complement activation. RESULTS Complement activation was associated independently with rs3753396 located in CFH (Pdiscovery = 1.09 × 10-15; Pmeta = 3.66 × 10-21; β = 0.141; standard error [SE] = 0.015) and rs6685931 located in CFHR4 (Pdiscovery = 8.18 × 10-7; Pmeta = 6.32 × 10-8; β = 0.054; SE = 0.010). A model including age, AMD disease status, body mass index, triglycerides, rs3753396, rs6685931, and previously identified SNPs explained 18.7% of the variability in complement activation. Haplotype analysis revealed 3 haplotypes (H1-2 and H6 containing rs6685931 and H3 containing rs3753396) associated with complement activation. Haplotypes H3 and H6 conferred stronger effects on complement activation compared with the single variants (P = 2.53 × 10-14; β = 0.183; SE = 0.024; and P = 4.28 × 10-4; β = 0.144; SE = 0.041; respectively). Association analyses with AMD revealed that SNP rs6685931 and haplotype H1-2 containing rs6685931 were associated with a risk for AMD development, whereas SNP rs3753396 and haplotypes H3 and H6 were not. CONCLUSIONS The SNP rs3753396 in CFH and SNP rs6685931 in CFHR4 are associated with systemic complement activation levels. The SNP rs6685931 in CFHR4 and its linked haplotype H1-2 also conferred a risk for AMD development, and therefore could be used to identify AMD patients who would benefit most from complement-inhibiting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lorés-Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Constantin C Paun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Corominas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Pauper
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje J Geerlings
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lebriz Altay
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tina Schick
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohamed R Daha
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eiko K de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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20
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Schmidt CQ, Lambris JD, Ricklin D. Protection of host cells by complement regulators. Immunol Rev 2017; 274:152-171. [PMID: 27782321 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The complement cascade is an ancient immune-surveillance system that not only provides protection from pathogen invasion but has also evolved to participate in physiological processes to maintain tissue homeostasis. The alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation is the evolutionarily oldest part of this innate immune cascade. It is unique in that it is continuously activated at a low level and arbitrarily probes foreign, modified-self, and also unaltered self-structures. This indiscriminate activation necessitates the presence of preformed regulators on autologous surfaces to spare self-cells from the undirected nature of AP activation. Although the other two canonical complement activation routes, the classical and lectin pathways, initiate the cascade more specifically through pattern recognition, their activity still needs to be tightly controlled to avoid excessive reactivity. It is the perpetual duty of complement regulators to protect the self from damage inflicted by inadequate complement activation. Here, we review the role of complement regulators as preformed mediators of defense, explain their common and specialized functions, and discuss selected cases in which alterations in complement regulators lead to disease. Finally, rational engineering approaches using natural complement inhibitors as potential therapeutics are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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Kerr H, Wong E, Makou E, Yang Y, Marchbank K, Kavanagh D, Richards A, Herbert AP, Barlow PN. Disease-linked mutations in factor H reveal pivotal role of cofactor activity in self-surface-selective regulation of complement activation. J Biol Chem 2017. [PMID: 28637873 PMCID: PMC5555194 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.795088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous activation enables the complement system to respond very rapidly to diverse threats. This activation is efficiently suppressed by complement factor H (CFH) on self-surfaces but not on foreign surfaces. The surface selectivity of CFH, a soluble protein containing 20 complement-control protein modules (CCPs 1-20), may be compromised by disease-linked mutations. However, which of the several functions of CFH drives this self-surface selectivity remains unknown. To address this, we expressed human CFH mutants in Pichia pastoris We found that recombinant I62-CFH (protective against age-related macular degeneration) and V62-CFH functioned equivalently, matching or outperforming plasma-derived CFH, whereas R53H-CFH, linked to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), was defective in C3bBb decay-accelerating activity (DAA) and factor I cofactor activity (CA). The aHUS-linked CCP 19 mutant D1119G-CFH had virtually no CA on (self-like) sheep erythrocytes (ES) but retained DAA. The aHUS-linked CCP 20 mutant S1191L/V1197A-CFH (LA-CFH) had dramatically reduced CA on ES but was less compromised in DAA. D1119G-CFH and LA-CFH both performed poorly at preventing complement-mediated hemolysis of ES PspCN, a CFH-binding Streptococcus pneumoniae protein domain, binds CFH tightly and increases accessibility of CCPs 19 and 20. PspCN did not improve the DAA of any CFH variant on ES Conversely, PspCN boosted the CA, on ES, of I62-CFH, R53H-CFH, and LA-CFH and also enhanced hemolysis protection by I62-CFH and LA-CFH. We conclude that CCPs 19 and 20 are critical for efficient CA on self-surfaces but less important for DAA. Exposing CCPs 19 and 20 with PspCN and thus enhancing CA on self-surfaces may reverse deficiencies of some CFH variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kerr
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin Wong
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Elisavet Makou
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Yang
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Marchbank
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - David Kavanagh
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Richards
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P Herbert
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Barlow
- From the Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Building, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
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22
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Michelfelder S, Parsons J, Bohlender LL, Hoernstein SNW, Niederkrüger H, Busch A, Krieghoff N, Koch J, Fode B, Schaaf A, Frischmuth T, Pohl M, Zipfel PF, Reski R, Decker EL, Häffner K. Moss-Produced, Glycosylation-Optimized Human Factor H for Therapeutic Application in Complement Disorders. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 28:1462-1474. [PMID: 27932477 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015070745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in complement regulatory proteins can lead to severe renal diseases, including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathies, and age-related macular degeneration. The majority of the mutations found in patients with these diseases affect the glycoprotein complement factor H, the main regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation. Therapeutic options are limited, and novel treatments, specifically those targeting alternative pathway activation, are highly desirable. Substitution with biologically active factor H could potentially treat a variety of diseases that involve increased alternative pathway activation, but no therapeutic factor H is commercially available. We recently reported the expression of full-length recombinant factor H in moss (Physcomitrella patens). Here, we present the production of an improved moss-derived recombinant human factor H devoid of potentially immunogenic plant-specific sugar residues on protein N-glycans, yielding approximately 1 mg purified moss-derived human factor H per liter of initial P. patens culture after a multistep purification process. This glycosylation-optimized factor H showed full in vitro complement regulatory activity similar to that of plasma-derived factor H and efficiently blocked LPS-induced alternative pathway activation and hemolysis induced by sera from patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Furthermore, injection of moss-derived factor H reduced C3 deposition and increased serum C3 levels in a murine model of C3 glomerulopathy. Thus, we consider moss-produced recombinant human factor H a promising pharmaceutical product for therapeutic intervention in patients suffering from complement dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Michelfelder
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennard L Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonas Koch
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Martin Pohl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and.,FRIAS Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany;
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23
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Kim H, Hwang D, Han J, Lee HK, Yang WJ, Jin J, Kim KH, Kim SI, Yoo DK, Kim S, Chung J. Genetic Polymorphism in Proteins of the Complement System. KOREAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION 2016. [DOI: 10.4285/jkstn.2016.30.2.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyori Kim
- Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dobeen Hwang
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungwon Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa Kyoung Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Jun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junyeong Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-hyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Il Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Duck-Kyun Yoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soohyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junho Chung
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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24
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Lionaki S, Gakiopoulou H, Boletis JN. Understanding the complement-mediated glomerular diseases: focus on membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and C3 glomerulopathies. APMIS 2016; 124:725-35. [PMID: 27356907 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
An enhanced understanding of the role of complement in the pathogenesis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis has led to reclassification of the latter into immunoglobulin-mediated and non-immunoglobulin-mediated disease. The new classification schema resulted in improved diagnostic clinical algorithms, while it brought into light again the diseases, which are characterized by the presence of glomerular deposits, composed predominantly by C3, in the absence of significant amounts of immunoglobulins in renal biopsy, namely, C3 glomerulopathies (dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis). Despite the lack of randomized controlled trials following the advances in the understanding of the pathogenetic pathways involved in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, it is important that the new mechanistic approach has opened new roads for the exploration and discovery of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Lionaki
- Nephrology Department, Laiko Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hara Gakiopoulou
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - John N Boletis
- Nephrology Department, Laiko Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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25
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Yeo SC, Liew A. Biologic agents in the treatment of glomerulonephritides. Nephrology (Carlton) 2016; 20:767-87. [PMID: 26040770 DOI: 10.1111/nep.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Current immunosuppression strategies in the treatment of glomerulonephritides remain unsatisfactory, especially in glomerular diseases that are frequently relapsing or are resistant to treatment. Toxicities associated with the use of drugs with non-specific targets for the immune response result in treatment non-compliance, and increase morbidity and mortality in these patients. Advances in our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of glomerulonephritis and the availability of biologics have led to their successful use in the treatment of immune-mediated glomerular diseases. Biologics are usually very large complex molecules, often produced using recombinant DNA technology and manufactured in a living system such as a microorganism, or plant or animal cells. They are novel agents that can target specific immune cell types, cytokines or immune pathways involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. It is attractive to consider that, given their specific mode of action, these agents can potentially offer a more directed and effective immunosuppression, with side-effect profiles that are much more desirable. However, there have been few randomized controlled trials comparing biologic agents to conventional immunosuppression, and in many of these studies the side-effect profiles have been disappointingly similar. In this review, we will examine the rationale, efficacy and safety of some commonly used biologics in the treatment of primary and secondary glomerulonephritides. We will also discuss some of the key challenges that may be encountered with the use of biologics in treating glomerulonephritis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Cheng Yeo
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Adrian Liew
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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26
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Schmidt CQ, Harder MJ, Nichols EM, Hebecker M, Anliker M, Höchsmann B, Simmet T, Csincsi ÁI, Uzonyi B, Pappworth IY, Ricklin D, Lambris JD, Schrezenmeier H, Józsi M, Marchbank KJ. Selectivity of C3-opsonin targeted complement inhibitors: A distinct advantage in the protection of erythrocytes from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patients. Immunobiology 2016; 221:503-11. [PMID: 26792457 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by complement-mediated cell lysis due to deficiency of GPI-anchored complement regulators. Blockage of the lytic pathway by eculizumab is the only available therapy for PNH patients and shows remarkable benefits, but regularly yields PNH erythrocytes opsonized with fragments of complement protein C3, rendering such erythrocytes prone to extravascular hemolysis. This effect is associated with insufficient responsiveness seen in a subgroup of PNH patients. Novel C3-opsonin targeted complement inhibitors act earlier in the cascade, at the level of activated C3 and are engineered from parts of the natural complement regulator Factor H (FH) or complement receptor 2 (CR2). This inhibitor class comprises three variants of "miniFH" and the clinically developed "FH-CR2" fusion-protein (TT30). We show that the approach of FH-CR2 to target C3-opsonins was more efficient in preventing complement activation induced by foreign surfaces, whereas the miniFH variants were substantially more active in controlling complement on PNH erythrocytes. Subtle differences were noted in the ability of each version of miniFH to protect human PNH cells. Importantly, miniFH and FH-CR2 interfered only minimally with complement-mediated serum killing of bacteria when compared to untargeted inhibition of all complement pathways by eculizumab. Thus, the molecular design of each C3-opsonin targeted complement inhibitor determines its potency in respect to the nature of the activator/surface providing potential functionality in PNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Markus J Harder
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Nichols
- Institutes of Cellular Medicine and Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mario Hebecker
- Junior Research Group Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Anliker
- Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, University of Ulm and German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg - Hessen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Britta Höchsmann
- Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, University of Ulm and German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg - Hessen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ádám I Csincsi
- MTA-ELTE "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- MTA-ELTE Immunology Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Isabel Y Pappworth
- Institutes of Cellular Medicine and Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, University of Ulm and German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg - Hessen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mihály Józsi
- MTA-ELTE "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Institutes of Cellular Medicine and Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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27
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Kennedy AT, Schmidt CQ, Thompson JK, Weiss GE, Taechalertpaisarn T, Gilson PR, Barlow PN, Crabb BS, Cowman AF, Tham WH. Recruitment of Factor H as a Novel Complement Evasion Strategy for Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 196:1239-48. [PMID: 26700768 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The human complement system is the frontline defense mechanism against invading pathogens. The coexistence of humans and microbes throughout evolution has produced ingenious molecular mechanisms by which microorganisms escape complement attack. A common evasion strategy used by diverse pathogens is the hijacking of soluble human complement regulators to their surfaces to afford protection from complement activation. One such host regulator is factor H (FH), which acts as a negative regulator of complement to protect host tissues from aberrant complement activation. In this report, we show that Plasmodium falciparum merozoites, the invasive form of the malaria parasites, actively recruit FH and its alternative spliced form FH-like protein 1 when exposed to human serum. We have mapped the binding site in FH that recognizes merozoites and identified Pf92, a member of the six-cysteine family of Plasmodium surface proteins, as its direct interaction partner. When bound to merozoites, FH retains cofactor activity, a key function that allows it to downregulate the alternative pathway of complement. In P. falciparum parasites that lack Pf92, we observed changes in the pattern of C3b cleavage that are consistent with decreased regulation of complement activation. These results also show that recruitment of FH affords P. falciparum merozoites protection from complement-mediated lysis. Our study provides new insights on mechanisms of immune evasion of malaria parasites and highlights the important function of surface coat proteins in the interplay between complement regulation and successful infection of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Kennedy
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jennifer K Thompson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Greta E Weiss
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | | | - Paul R Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Paul N Barlow
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FF, United Kingdom; School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom; and
| | - Brendan S Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Alan F Cowman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia;
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28
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Harder MJ, Anliker M, Höchsmann B, Simmet T, Huber-Lang M, Schrezenmeier H, Ricklin D, Lambris JD, Barlow PN, Schmidt CQ. Comparative Analysis of Novel Complement-Targeted Inhibitors, MiniFH, and the Natural Regulators Factor H and Factor H-like Protein 1 Reveal Functional Determinants of Complement Regulation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 196:866-76. [PMID: 26643478 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The serum proteins factor H (FH), consisting of 20 complement control protein modules (CCPs), and its splice product FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1; consisting of CCPs 1-7) are major regulators of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation. The engineered version of FH, miniFH, contains only the N- and C-terminal portions of FH linked by an optimized peptide and shows ∼ 10-fold higher ex vivo potency. We explored the hypothesis that regulatory potency is enhanced by unmasking of a ligand-binding site in the C-terminal CCPs 19-20 that is cryptic in full-length native FH. Therefore, we produced an FH variant lacking the central domains 10-15 (FHΔ10-15). To explore how avidity affects regulatory strength, we generated a duplicated version of miniFH, termed midiFH. We compared activities of FHΔ10-15 and midiFH to miniFH, FH, and FHL-1. Relative to FH, FHΔ10-15 exhibited an altered binding profile toward C3 activation products and a 5-fold-enhanced complement regulation on a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria patient's erythrocytes. Contrary to dogma, FHL-1 and FH exhibited equal regulatory activity, suggesting that the role of FHL-1 in AP regulation has been underestimated. Unexpectedly, a substantially increased avidity for complement opsonins, as seen in midiFH, did not potentiate the inhibitory potential on host cells. In conclusion, comparisons of engineered and native FH-based regulators have identified features that determine high AP regulatory activity on host cells. Unrestricted availability of FH CCPs 19-20 and an optimal spatial orientation between the N- and C-terminal FH regions are key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus J Harder
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Anliker
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg - Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Britta Höchsmann
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg - Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Department of Traumatology, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg - Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19102
| | - Paul N Barlow
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom; and School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
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29
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Herbert AP, Makou E, Chen ZA, Kerr H, Richards A, Rappsilber J, Barlow PN. Complement Evasion Mediated by Enhancement of Captured Factor H: Implications for Protection of Self-Surfaces from Complement. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:4986-98. [PMID: 26459349 PMCID: PMC4635569 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to evade annihilation by the vertebrate complement system, many microbes capture factor H (FH), the key soluble complement-regulating protein in human plasma. However, FH is normally an active complement suppressor exclusively on self-surfaces and this selective action of FH is pivotal to self versus non-self discrimination by the complement system. We investigated whether the bacterially captured FH becomes functionally enhanced and, if so, how this is achieved at a structural level. We found, using site-directed and truncation mutagenesis, surface plasmon resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cross-linking and mass spectrometry, that the N-terminal domain of Streptococcus pneumoniae protein PspC (PspCN) not only binds FH extraordinarily tightly but also holds it in a previously uncharacterized conformation. Functional enhancement arises from exposure of a C-terminal cryptic second binding site in FH for C3b, the activation-specific fragment of the pivotal complement component, C3. This conformational change of FH doubles its affinity for C3b and increases 5-fold its ability to accelerate decay of the binary enzyme (C3bBb) responsible for converting C3 to C3b in an amplification loop. Despite not sharing critical FH-binding residues, PspCNs from D39 and Tigr4 S. pneumoniae exhibit similar FH-anchoring and enhancing properties. We propose that these bacterial proteins mimic molecular markers of self-surfaces, providing a compelling hypothesis for how FH prevents complement-mediated injury to host tissue while lacking efficacy on virtually all other surfaces. In hemolysis assays with 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide–treated erythrocytes that recapitulate paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, PspCN enhanced protection of cells by FH, suggesting a new paradigm for therapeutic complement suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Herbert
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Elisavet Makou
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Zhuo A Chen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Heather Kerr
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom; Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Richards
- Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom; and
| | - Paul N Barlow
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom;
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30
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Lim NTY, Harder MJ, Kennedy AT, Lin CS, Weir C, Cowman AF, Call MJ, Schmidt CQ, Tham WH. Characterization of Inhibitors and Monoclonal Antibodies That Modulate the Interaction between Plasmodium falciparum Adhesin PfRh4 with Its Erythrocyte Receptor Complement Receptor 1. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:25307-21. [PMID: 26324715 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.657171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum parasites must invade red blood cells to survive within humans. Entry into red blood cells is governed by interactions between parasite adhesins and red blood cell receptors. Previously we identified that P. falciparum reticulocyte binding protein-like homologue 4 (PfRh4) binds to complement receptor 1 (CR1) to mediate entry of malaria parasites into human red blood cells. In this report we characterize a collection of anti-PfRh4 monoclonal antibodies and CR1 protein fragments that modulate the interaction between PfRh4 and CR1. We identify an anti-PfRh4 monoclonal that blocks PfRh4-CR1 interaction in vitro, inhibits PfRh4 binding to red blood cells, and as a result abolishes the PfRh4-CR1 invasion pathway in P. falciparum. Epitope mapping of anti-PfRh4 monoclonal antibodies identified distinct functional regions within PfRh4 involved in modulating its interaction with CR1. Furthermore, we designed a set of protein fragments based on extensive mutagenesis analyses of the PfRh4 binding site on CR1 and determined their interaction affinities using surface plasmon resonance. These CR1 protein fragments bind tightly to PfRh4 and also function as soluble inhibitors to block PfRh4 binding to red blood cells and to inhibit the PfRh4-CR1 invasion pathway. Our findings can aid future efforts in designing specific single epitope antibodies to block P. falciparum invasion via complement receptor 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T Y Lim
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Markus J Harder
- the Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 20, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander T Kennedy
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, the Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, and
| | - Clara S Lin
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, the Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, and
| | - Christopher Weir
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, the Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, and the School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH93JJ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alan F Cowman
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, the Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, and
| | - Melissa J Call
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, the Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, and
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- the Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 20, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- From the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, the Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia, and
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31
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Nichols EM, Barbour TD, Pappworth IY, Wong EKS, Palmer JM, Sheerin NS, Pickering MC, Marchbank KJ. An extended mini-complement factor H molecule ameliorates experimental C3 glomerulopathy. Kidney Int 2015. [PMID: 26221753 PMCID: PMC4650264 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal regulation of the complement alternative pathway is associated with C3 glomerulopathy. Complement factor H is the main plasma regulator of the alternative pathway and consists of 20 short consensus repeat (SCR) domains. Although recombinant full-length factor H represents a logical treatment for C3 glomerulopathy, its production has proved challenging. We and others have designed recombinant mini-factor H proteins in which ‘non-essential' SCR domains have been removed. Here, we report the in vitro and in vivo effects of a mini-complement factor H protein, FH1–5^18–20, using the unique factor H–deficient (Cfh−/−) mouse model of C3 glomerulopathy. FH1–5^18–20 is comprised of the key complement regulatory domains (SCRs 1–5) linked to the surface recognition domains (SCRs 18–20). Intraperitoneal injection of FH1–5^18–20 in Cfh−/− mice reduced abnormal glomerular C3 deposition, similar to full-length factor H. Systemic effects on plasma alternative pathway control were comparatively modest, in association with a short half-life. Thus, FH1–5^18–20 is a potential therapeutic agent for C3 glomerulopathy and other renal conditions with alternative pathway-mediated tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Nichols
- Institutes of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Thomas D Barbour
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Isabel Y Pappworth
- Institutes of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Edwin K S Wong
- Institutes of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jeremy M Palmer
- Institutes of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Neil S Sheerin
- Institutes of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Institutes of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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32
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Cho H. Complement regulation: physiology and disease relevance. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2015; 58:239-44. [PMID: 26300937 PMCID: PMC4543182 DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2015.58.7.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is part of the innate immune response and as such defends against invading pathogens, removes immune complexes and damaged self-cells, aids organ regeneration, confers neuroprotection, and engages with the adaptive immune response via T and B cells. Complement activation can either benefit or harm the host organism; thus, the complement system must maintain a balance between activation on foreign or modified self surfaces and inhibition on intact host cells. Complement regulators are essential for maintaining this balance and are classified as soluble regulators, such as factor H, and membrane-bound regulators. Defective complement regulators can damage the host cell and result in the accumulation of immunological debris. Moreover, defective regulators are associated with several autoimmune diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, dense deposit disease, age-related macular degeneration, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms by which the complement system is regulated is important for the development of novel therapies for complement-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeyeon Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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33
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Pouw RB, Vredevoogd DW, Kuijpers TW, Wouters D. Of mice and men: The factor H protein family and complement regulation. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:12-20. [PMID: 25824240 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
For decades immunological research has relied, with variable success, on mouse models to investigate diseases and possible therapeutic interventions. With the approval of the first therapeutic antibody targeting complement, called eculizumab, as therapy in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and more recently atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), the viability of targeting the complement system was demonstrated. The potent, endogenous complement regulators have become of increasing interest as templates for designing and developing new therapeutics. Recently, complement inhibitors based on (parts of) the human complement regulator factor H (FH) are being examined for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory conditions. The first step to evaluate the potency of a new drug is often testing it in a mouse model for the target disease. However, translating results to human conditions requires a good understanding of similarities and, more importantly, differences between the human and mouse complement system and particularly regulation. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the complement regulator FH and its closely related proteins and current views on their role in mice and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- R B Pouw
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Blood Supply, Division Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - D W Vredevoogd
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Blood Supply, Division Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - T W Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Blood Supply, Division Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - D Wouters
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Blood Supply, Division Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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34
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Clark SJ, Schmidt CQ, White AM, Hakobyan S, Morgan BP, Bishop PN. Identification of factor H-like protein 1 as the predominant complement regulator in Bruch's membrane: implications for age-related macular degeneration. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2014; 193:4962-70. [PMID: 25305316 PMCID: PMC4225158 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The tight regulation of innate immunity on extracellular matrix (ECM) is a vital part of immune homeostasis throughout the human body, and disruption to this regulation in the eye is thought to contribute directly to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The plasma complement regulator factor H (FH) is thought to be the main regulator that protects ECM against damaging complement activation. However, in the present study we demonstrate that a truncated form of FH, called FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1), is the main regulatory protein in the layer of ECM under human retina, called Bruch's membrane. Bruch's membrane is a major site of AMD disease pathogenesis and where drusen, the hallmark lesions of AMD, form. We show that FHL-1 can passively diffuse through Bruch's membrane, whereas the full sized, glycosylated, FH cannot. FHL-1 is largely bound to Bruch's membrane through interactions with heparan sulfate, and we show that the common Y402H polymorphism in the CFH gene, associated with an increased risk of AMD, reduces the binding of FHL-1 to this heparan sulfate. We also show that FHL-1 is retained in drusen whereas FH coats the periphery of the lesions, perhaps inhibiting their clearance. Our results identify a novel mechanism of complement regulation in the human eye, which highlights potential new avenues for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Clark
- Centre for Hearing and Vision Research, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom;
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne M White
- Centre for Hearing and Vision Research, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - Svetlana Hakobyan
- Complement Biology Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom; and
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Complement Biology Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom; and
| | - Paul N Bishop
- Centre for Hearing and Vision Research, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom; Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
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35
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Józsi M, Reuter S, Nozal P, López-Trascasa M, Sánchez-Corral P, Prohászka Z, Uzonyi B. Autoantibodies to complement components in C3 glomerulopathy and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Immunol Lett 2014; 160:163-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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36
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de Lorenzo A, Tallón S, Hernández-Sevillano B, de Arriba G. C3 glomerulopathy: A new complement-based entity. Rev Clin Esp 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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37
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de Lorenzo A, Tallón S, Hernández-Sevillano B, de Arriba G. Glomerulopatía C3: una nueva entidad basada en el complemento. Rev Clin Esp 2014; 214:266-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2014.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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38
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Neidich AB, Neidich EM, Lee A, Nicoletta J, Rohrer RJ, Milner LS, Cooper JT. Novel use of intravenous immunoglobulin G in complement factor H missense mutation: a case report. Prog Transplant 2013; 23:213-6. [PMID: 23996939 DOI: 10.7182/pit2013151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
A white girl presented at 8 months of age with thrombotic microangiopathy, followed by recurrent episodes of renal dysfunction, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia, compatible with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The episodes of the syndrome were treated by a combination of infusions of fresh frozen plasma, plasmapheresis, and continuous venovenous hemodialysis. Interval resolution occurred between episodes. At 2 years of age, prophylactic infusions of fresh frozen plasma were started between relapses, but this proved to be poorly protective; however, introduction of prophylactic intravenous gamma globulin at age 3.5 years resulted in prolonged remission (42 months). Serum levels of the third and fourth components of complement, total hemolytic complement, and complement factor H were normal. Results of the third component functional assay were low before and normalized after the start of immunoglobulin G prophylaxis. A missense mutation of complement factor H was identified. At 6 years of age, the patient underwent bilateral native nephrectomy and started long-term peritoneal dialysis, followed by a combined liver-kidney transplant at age 8 years. Four and a half years after transplant, she has excellent renal and liver graft function without recurrence of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
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39
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Nilsson OR, Lannergård J, Morgan BP, Lindahl G, Gustafsson MCU. Affinity purification of human factor H on polypeptides derived from streptococcal m protein: enrichment of the Y402 variant. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81303. [PMID: 24278416 PMCID: PMC3836803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that defective activity of complement factor H (FH) is associated with several human diseases, suggesting that pure FH may be used for therapy. Here, we describe a simple method to isolate human FH, based on the specific interaction between FH and the hypervariable region (HVR) of certain Streptococcus pyogenes M proteins. Special interest was focused on the FH polymorphism Y402H, which is associated with the common eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and has also been implicated in the binding to M protein. Using a fusion protein containing two copies of the M5-HVR, we found that the Y402 and H402 variants of FH could be efficiently purified by single-step affinity chromatography from human serum containing the corresponding protein. Different M proteins vary in their binding properties, and the M6 and M5 proteins, but not the M18 protein, showed selective binding of the FH Y402 variant. Accordingly, chromatography on a fusion protein derived from the M6-HVR allowed enrichment of the Y402 protein from serum containing both variants. Thus, the exquisite binding specificity of a bacterial protein can be exploited to develop a simple and robust procedure to purify FH and to enrich for the FH variant that protects against AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Rickard Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Lannergård
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - B. Paul Morgan
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Gunnar Lindahl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mattias C. U. Gustafsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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40
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Wang FM, Yu F, Zhao MH. A method of purifying intact complement factor H from human plasma. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 91:105-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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41
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Hebecker M, Alba-Domínguez M, Roumenina LT, Reuter S, Hyvärinen S, Dragon-Durey MA, Jokiranta TS, Sánchez-Corral P, Józsi M. An engineered construct combining complement regulatory and surface-recognition domains represents a minimal-size functional factor H. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:912-21. [PMID: 23772024 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Complement is an essential humoral component of innate immunity; however, its inappropriate activation leads to pathology. Polymorphisms, mutations, and autoantibodies affecting factor H (FH), a major regulator of the alternative complement pathway, are associated with various diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and C3 glomerulopathies. Restoring FH function could be a treatment option for such pathologies. In this article, we report on an engineered FH construct that directly combines the two major functional regions of FH: the N-terminal complement regulatory domains and the C-terminal surface-recognition domains. This minimal-size FH (mini-FH) binds C3b and has complement regulatory functions similar to those of the full-length protein. In addition, we demonstrate that mini-FH binds to the FH ligands C-reactive protein, pentraxin 3, and malondialdehyde epitopes. Mini-FH was functionally active when bound to the extracellular matrix and endothelial cells in vitro, and it inhibited C3 deposition on the cells. Furthermore, mini-FH efficiently inhibited complement-mediated lysis of host-like cells caused by a disease-associated FH mutation or by anti-FH autoantibodies. Therefore, mini-FH could potentially be used as a complement inhibitor targeting host surfaces, as well as to replace compromised FH in diseases associated with FH dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Hebecker
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
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42
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Abstract
Factor H (FH) is a soluble regulator of the proteolytic cascade at the core of the evolutionarily ancient vertebrate complement system. Although FH consists of a single chain of similar protein modules, it has a demanding job description. Its chief role is to prevent complement-mediated injury to healthy host cells and tissues. This entails recognition of molecular patterns on host surfaces combined with control of one of nature's most dangerous examples of a positive-feedback loop. In this way, FH modulates, where and when needed, an amplification process that otherwise exponentially escalates the production of the pro-inflammatory, pro-phagocytic, and pro-cytolytic cleavage products of complement proteins C3 and C5. Mutations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the FH gene and autoantibodies against FH predispose individuals to diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, dense-deposit disease, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Moreover, deletions or variations of genes for FH-related proteins also influence the risk of disease. Numerous pathogens hijack FH and use it for self-defense. As reviewed herein, a molecular understanding of FH function is emerging. While its functional oligomeric status remains uncertain, progress has been achieved in characterizing its three-dimensional architecture and, to a lesser extent, its intermodular flexibility. Models are proposed, based on the reconciliation of older data with a wealth of recent evidence, in which a latent circulating form of FH is activated by its principal target, C3b tethered to a self-surface. Such models suggest hypotheses linking sequence variations to pathophysiology, but improved, more quantitative, functional assays and rigorous data analysis are required to test these ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Makou
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, U.K
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43
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Schmidt CQ, Bai H, Lin Z, Risitano AM, Barlow PN, Ricklin D, Lambris JD. Rational engineering of a minimized immune inhibitor with unique triple-targeting properties. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:5712-21. [PMID: 23616575 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate control of the complement system is the underlying or aggravating factor in many human diseases. Whereas treatment options that specifically target the alternative pathway (AP) of complement activation are considered highly desirable, no such option is available in the clinic. In this study, we present a successful example of protein engineering, guided by structural insight on the complement regulator factor H (FH), yielding a novel complement-targeted therapeutic (mini-FH) with clinical potential. Despite a 70% reduction in size, mini-FH retained and in some respects exceeded the regulatory activity and cell surface-recognition properties of its parent protein FH, including the recently described recognition of sites of oxidative stress. Importantly, the chosen design extended the functional spectrum of the inhibitor, as mini-FH showed increased binding to the surface-bound opsonins iC3b and C3dg when compared with FH. Thus, mini-FH is equipped with a unique and clinically valuable triple-targeting profile toward diseased host cells, through its binding to sites of ongoing complement activation, markers of oxidative damage, and host surface-specific polyanions. When assessed in a clinically relevant AP-mediated disease model of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, mini-FH largely outperformed FH and indicated advantages over clinically evaluated AP inhibitors. Thus, the rational engineering of a streamlined FH construct not only provided insight into the function of a key complement regulator, but also yielded a novel inhibitor that combines a triple-targeting approach with high AP-specific inhibitory activity (IC50 ~ 40 nM), which may pave the way toward new options for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q Schmidt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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44
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Ricklin D. Manipulating the mediator: modulation of the alternative complement pathway C3 convertase in health, disease and therapy. Immunobiology 2013; 217:1057-66. [PMID: 22964231 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The complement network is increasingly recognized as an important triage system that is able to differentiate between healthy host cells, microbial intruders, cellular debris and immune complexes, and tailor its actions accordingly. At the center of this triage mechanism is the alternative pathway C3 convertase (C3bBb), a potent enzymatic protein complex capable of rapidly converting the inert yet abundant component C3 into powerful effector fragments (C3a and C3b), thereby amplifying the initial response on unprotected surfaces and inducing a variety of effector functions. A fascinating molecular mechanism of convertase assembly and intrinsic regulation, as well as the interplay with a panel of cell surface-bound and soluble inhibitors are essential for directing complement attack to intruders and protecting healthy host cells. While efficiently keeping immune surveillance and homeostasis on track, the reliance on an intricate cascade of interaction and conversion steps also renders the C3 convertase vulnerable to derail. On the one hand, tissue damage, accumulation of debris, or polymorphisms in complement genes may unfavorably shift the balance between activation and regulation, thereby contributing to a variety of clinical conditions. On the other hand, pathogens developed powerful evasion strategies to avoid complement attack by targeting the convertase. Finally, we increasingly challenge our bodies with foreign materials such as biomaterial implants or drug delivery vehicles that may induce adverse effects that are at least partially caused by complement activation and amplification via the alternative pathway. The involvement of the C3 convertase in a range of pathological conditions put this complex into the spotlight of complement-targeted drug discovery efforts. Fortunately, the physiological regulation and microbial evasion approaches provide a rich source of inspiration for the development of powerful treatment options. This review provides insight into the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that drive C3 convertase activity, reveals common and divergent strategies of convertase inhibition employed by host and pathogens, and how this inhibitory arsenal can be tapped for developing therapeutic options to treat complement-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
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Janssen van Doorn K, Dirinck E, Verpooten GA, Couttenye MM. Complement factor H mutation associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with transformation to atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Clin Kidney J 2013; 6:216-219. [PMID: 25006455 PMCID: PMC4086369 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfs190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A patient with a history of haemolytic anaemia and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type 1 since childhood developed relapsing atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) at the age of 18. Despite several episodes of relapsing aHUS, she was successfully treated with plasmapheresis. aHUS is strongly associated with disorders of the complement pathway. Diagnostic work-up of the patient revealed normal serum values of complement factor H, I, B and membrane cofactor protein (MCP). Genetic analysis showed a homozygous mutation in the factor H gene. Extraordinarily, the homozygous mutation in this patient causes a normal amount but hypothetically functionally defective factor H in the plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Janssen van Doorn
- Department of Nephrology-Hypertension , Antwerp University Hospital , Edegem, Antwerpen , Belgium
| | - Eveline Dirinck
- Department of Nephrology-Hypertension , Antwerp University Hospital , Edegem, Antwerpen , Belgium
| | - Gert A Verpooten
- Department of Nephrology-Hypertension , Antwerp University Hospital , Edegem, Antwerpen , Belgium ; Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics , Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Antwerp , Antwerpen , Belgium
| | - Marie M Couttenye
- Department of Nephrology-Hypertension , Antwerp University Hospital , Edegem, Antwerpen , Belgium
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Makou E, Mertens HD, Maciejewski M, Soares DC, Matis I, Schmidt CQ, Herbert AP, Svergun DI, Barlow PN. Solution structure of CCP modules 10-12 illuminates functional architecture of the complement regulator, factor H. J Mol Biol 2012; 424:295-312. [PMID: 23017427 PMCID: PMC4068365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The 155-kDa plasma glycoprotein factor H (FH), which consists of 20 complement control protein (CCP) modules, protects self-tissue but not foreign organisms from damage by the complement cascade. Protection is achieved by selective engagement of FH, via CCPs 1-4, CCPs 6-8 and CCPs 19-20, with polyanion-rich host surfaces that bear covalently attached, activation-specific, fragments of complement component C3. The role of intervening CCPs 9-18 in this process is obscured by lack of structural knowledge. We have concatenated new high-resolution solution structures of overlapping recombinant CCP pairs, 10-11 and 11-12, to form a three-dimensional structure of CCPs 10-12 and validated it by small-angle X-ray scattering of the recombinant triple-module fragment. Superimposing CCP 12 of this 10-12 structure with CCP 12 from the previously solved CCP 12-13 structure yielded an S-shaped structure for CCPs 10-13 in which modules are tilted by 80-110° with respect to immediate neighbors, but the bend between CCPs 10 and 11 is counter to the arc traced by CCPs 11-13. Including this four-CCP structure in interpretation of scattering data for the longer recombinant segments, CCPs 10-15 and 8-15, implied flexible attachment of CCPs 8 and 9 to CCP 10 but compact and intimate arrangements of CCP 14 with CCPs 12, 13 and 15. Taken together with difficulties in recombinant production of module pairs 13-14 and 14-15, the aberrant structure of CCP 13 and the variability of 13-14 linker sequences among orthologues, a structural dependency of CCP 14 on its neighbors is suggested; this has implications for the FH mechanism.
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Key Words
- ccp, complement control protein
- cr1, complement receptor type 1
- daf, decay accelerating factor
- fh, factor h
- eom, ensemble optimization method
- hsqc, heteronuclear single quantum coherence
- mcp, membrane cofactor protein
- noe, nuclear overhauser enhancement
- saxs, small-angle x-ray scattering
- tocsy, total correlated spectroscopy
- protein nmr
- protein domains
- complement system
- small-angle x-ray scattering
- regulators of complement activation
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Makou
- Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Haydyn D.T. Mertens
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg Outstation, c/o Deutsches Elektronen‐Synchrotron, Notkestrasse 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mateusz Maciejewski
- Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Dinesh C. Soares
- Medical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Ilias Matis
- Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Andrew P. Herbert
- Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Dmitri I. Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory Hamburg Outstation, c/o Deutsches Elektronen‐Synchrotron, Notkestrasse 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paul N. Barlow
- Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
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Brandstätter H, Schulz P, Polunic I, Kannicht C, Kohla G, Römisch J. Purification and biochemical characterization of functional complement factor H from human plasma fractions. Vox Sang 2012; 103:201-12. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2012.01610.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Tetteh-Quarcoo PB, Schmidt CQ, Tham WH, Hauhart R, Mertens HDT, Rowe A, Atkinson JP, Cowman AF, Rowe JA, Barlow PN. Lack of evidence from studies of soluble protein fragments that Knops blood group polymorphisms in complement receptor-type 1 are driven by malaria. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34820. [PMID: 22506052 PMCID: PMC3323580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement receptor-type 1 (CR1, CD35) is the immune-adherence receptor, a complement regulator, and an erythroid receptor for Plasmodium falciparum during merozoite invasion and subsequent rosette formation involving parasitized and non-infected erythrocytes. The non-uniform geographical distribution of Knops blood group CR1 alleles Sl1/2 and McCa/b may result from selective pressures exerted by differential exposure to infectious hazards. Here, four variant short recombinant versions of CR1 were produced and analyzed, focusing on complement control protein modules (CCPs) 15–25 of its ectodomain. These eleven modules encompass a region (CCPs 15–17) key to rosetting, opsonin recognition and complement regulation, as well as the Knops blood group polymorphisms in CCPs 24–25. All four CR1 15–25 variants were monomeric and had similar axial ratios. Modules 21 and 22, despite their double-length inter-modular linker, did not lie side-by-side so as to stabilize a bent-back architecture that would facilitate cooperation between key functional modules and Knops blood group antigens. Indeed, the four CR1 15–25 variants had virtually indistinguishable affinities for immobilized complement fragments C3b (KD = 0.8–1.1 µM) and C4b (KD = 5.0–5.3 µM). They were all equally good co-factors for factor I-catalysed cleavage of C3b and C4b, and they bound equally within a narrow affinity range, to immobilized C1q. No differences between the variants were observed in assays for inhibition of erythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum or for rosette disruption. Neither differences in complement-regulatory functionality, nor interactions with P. falciparum proteins tested here, appear to have driven the non-uniform geographic distribution of these alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph Q. Schmidt
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Hauhart
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Arthur Rowe
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - John P. Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Alan F. Cowman
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - J. Alexandra Rowe
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N. Barlow
- The Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Kopp A, Hebecker M, Svobodová E, Józsi M. Factor h: a complement regulator in health and disease, and a mediator of cellular interactions. Biomolecules 2012; 2:46-75. [PMID: 24970127 PMCID: PMC4030870 DOI: 10.3390/biom2010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement is an essential part of innate immunity as it participates in host defense against infections, disposal of cellular debris and apoptotic cells, inflammatory processes and modulation of adaptive immune responses. Several soluble and membrane-bound regulators protect the host from the potentially deleterious effects of uncontrolled and misdirected complement activation. Factor H is a major soluble regulator of the alternative complement pathway, but it can also bind to host cells and tissues, protecting them from complement attack. Interactions of factor H with various endogenous ligands, such as pentraxins, extracellular matrix proteins and DNA are important in limiting local complement-mediated inflammation. Impaired regulatory as well as ligand and cell recognition functions of factor H, caused by mutations or autoantibodies, are associated with the kidney diseases: atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and dense deposit disease and the eye disorder: age-related macular degeneration. In addition, factor H binds to receptors on host cells and is involved in adhesion, phagocytosis and modulation of cell activation. In this review we discuss current concepts on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of factor H in light of new data and recent developments in our understanding of the versatile roles of factor H as an inhibitor of complement activation and inflammation, as well as a mediator of cellular interactions. A detailed knowledge of the functions of factor H in health and disease is expected to unravel novel therapeutic intervention possibilities and to facilitate the development or improvement of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kopp
- Junior Research Group Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena 07745, Germany.
| | - Mario Hebecker
- Junior Research Group Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena 07745, Germany.
| | - Eliška Svobodová
- Junior Research Group Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena 07745, Germany.
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Junior Research Group Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena 07745, Germany.
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50
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Kerr H, Richards A. Complement-mediated injury and protection of endothelium: lessons from atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Immunobiology 2012; 217:195-203. [PMID: 21855165 PMCID: PMC4083254 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2011.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The complement system provides a vital defence against invading pathogens. As an intrinsic system it is always 'on', in a state of constant, low level activation. This activation is principally mediated through the deposition of C3b on to pathogenic surfaces and host tissues. C3b is generated by spontaneous 'tick over' and formal activation of the alternative pathway, and by activation of the classical and lectin pathways. If the deposited C3b is not appropriately regulated, there is progression to terminal pathway complement activation via the C5 convertases, generating the potent anaphylotoxin C5a and the membrane attack complex C5b-9. Unsurprisingly, these highly active components have the potential to cause injury to bystander host tissue, including the vascular endothelium. As such, complement activation on endothelium is normally tightly controlled by a large number of fluid-phase and membrane bound inhibitors, in an attempt to ensure that propagation of complement activation is appropriately restricted to invading pathogens and altered 'self', e.g. apoptotic and necrotic cells. The kidney is increasingly recognised as a site at particular risk from complement-mediated endothelial injury. Both genetic and acquired defects which impact on complement regulation predispose to this susceptibility. The thrombotic microangiopathy, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), will be used to illustrate the mechanisms by which the endothelial cell injury occurs. Finally, the underlying rationale for current and future potential therapeutic interventions in HUS and also the opportunities for enhancing endothelial defence to prevent relapsing disease through increased complement cytoprotective strategies will be summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Kerr
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
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