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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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2
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Zouache MA, Richards BT, Pappas CM, Anstadt RA, Liu J, Corsetti T, Matthews S, Seager NA, Schmitz-Valckenberg S, Fleckenstein M, Hubbard WC, Thomas J, Hageman JL, Williams BL, Hageman GS. Levels of complement factor H-related 4 protein do not influence susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration or its course of progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:443. [PMID: 38200010 PMCID: PMC10781981 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is a significant contributor to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a primary cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Here, we assess the contribution of the liver-produced complement factor H-related 4 protein (FHR-4) to AMD initiation and course of progression. We show that FHR-4 variation in plasma and at the primary location of AMD-associated pathology, the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch's membrane/choroid interface, is entirely explained by three independent quantitative trait loci (QTL). Using two distinct cohorts composed of a combined 14,965 controls and 20,741 cases, we ascertain that independent QTLs for FHR-4 are distinct from variants causally associated with AMD, and that FHR-4 variation is not independently associated with disease. Additionally, FHR-4 does not appear to influence AMD progression course among patients with disease driven predominantly by AP dysregulation. Modulation of FHR-4 is therefore unlikely to be an effective therapeutic strategy for AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Zouache
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - B T Richards
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - C M Pappas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - R A Anstadt
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J Liu
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - T Corsetti
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - S Matthews
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - N A Seager
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - S Schmitz-Valckenberg
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - M Fleckenstein
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - W C Hubbard
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J Thomas
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - J L Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - B L Williams
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - G S Hageman
- Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine, John A. Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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3
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Ebstein SY, Rafique A, Zhou Y, Krasco A, Montalvo-Ortiz W, Yu L, Custodio L, Adam RC, Bloch N, Lee K, Adewale F, Vergata D, Luz A, Coquery S, Daniel B, Ullman E, Franklin MC, Hermann A, Huang T, Olson W, Davis S, Murphy AJ, Sleeman MA, Wei J, Skokos D. VSIG4 interaction with heparan sulfates inhibits VSIG4-complement binding. Glycobiology 2023; 33:591-604. [PMID: 37341346 PMCID: PMC10426322 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwad050] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) is a complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is specifically expressed on tissue resident macrophages, and its many reported functions and binding partners suggest a complex role in immune function. VSIG4 is reported to have a role in immune surveillance as well as in modulating diverse disease phenotypes such as infections, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. However, the mechanism(s) governing VSIG4's complex, context-dependent role in immune regulation remains elusive. Here, we identify cell surface and soluble glycosaminoglycans, specifically heparan sulfates, as novel binding partners of VSIG4. We demonstrate that genetic deletion of heparan sulfate synthesis enzymes or cleavage of cell-surface heparan sulfates reduced VSIG4 binding to the cell surface. Furthermore, binding studies demonstrate that VSIG4 interacts directly with heparan sulfates, with a preference for highly sulfated moieties and longer glycosaminoglycan chains. To assess the impact on VSIG4 biology, we show that heparan sulfates compete with known VSIG4 binding partners C3b and iC3b. Furthermore, mutagenesis studies indicate that this competition occurs through overlapping binding epitopes for heparan sulfates and complement on VSIG4. Together these data suggest a novel role for heparan sulfates in VSIG4-dependent immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Y Ebstein
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Ashique Rafique
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Yi Zhou
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Amanda Krasco
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Welby Montalvo-Ortiz
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Lola Yu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Luisaidy Custodio
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Rene C Adam
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Nicolin Bloch
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Ken Lee
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Funmilola Adewale
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Dominic Vergata
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Antonio Luz
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Sebastien Coquery
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Benjamin Daniel
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Erica Ullman
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Matthew C Franklin
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Aynur Hermann
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Tammy Huang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - William Olson
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Samuel Davis
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Matthew A Sleeman
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Joyce Wei
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
| | - Dimitris Skokos
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
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4
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Lucientes-Continente L, Márquez-Tirado B, Goicoechea de Jorge E. The Factor H protein family: The switchers of the complement alternative pathway. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:25-45. [PMID: 36382387 PMCID: PMC10099856 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The factor H (FH) protein family is emerging as a complex network of proteins controlling the fate of the complement alternative pathway (AP) and dictating susceptibility to a wide range of diseases including infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases and cancer. Composed, in man, of seven highly related proteins, FH, factor H-like 1, and 5 factor H-related proteins, some of the FH family proteins are devoted to down-regulating the AP, while others exert an opposite function by promoting AP activation. Recent findings have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms defining their biological roles and their pathogenicity, illustrating the relevance that the balance between the regulators and the activators within this protein family has in defining the outcome of complement activation on cell surfaces. In this review we will discuss the emerging roles of the factor H protein family, their impact in the complement cascade, and their involvement in the pathogenesis of complement-mediated diseases associated with the AP dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lucientes-Continente
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bárbara Márquez-Tirado
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Goicoechea de Jorge
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University and Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
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5
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de Jong S, Tang J, Clark SJ. Age-related macular degeneration: A disease of extracellular complement amplification. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:279-297. [PMID: 36223117 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment in the Western World, and with the aging world population, its incidence is increasing. As of today, for the majority of patients, no treatment exists. Multiple genetic and biochemical studies have shown a strong association with components in the complement system and AMD, and evidence suggests a major role of remodeling of the extracellular matrix underlying the outer blood/retinal barrier. As part of the innate immune system, the complement cascade acts as a first-line defense against pathogens, and upon activation, its amplification loop ensures a strong, rapid, and sustained response. Excessive activation, however, can lead to host tissue damage and cause complement-associated diseases like AMD. AMD patients present with aberrant activation of the alternative pathway, especially in ocular tissues but also on a systemic level. Here, we review the latest findings of complement activation in AMD, and we will discuss in vivo observations made in human tissue, cellular models, the potential synergy of different AMD-associated pathways, and conclude on current clinical trials and the future outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Jong
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon J Clark
- Department for Ophthalmology, University Eye Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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6
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Ding Q, Li H, Xu Z, Hu K, Ye Q. Identification of CFHR4 associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:812663. [PMID: 36338737 PMCID: PMC9632743 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.812663] [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: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most leading causes of cancer death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate of HCC patients remains low due to the lack of early-stage symptoms. Human complement factor H-related protein 4 (CFHR4) is a critical gene that belongs to the factor H family of plasma glycoproteins, which has not been linked to HCC development. The correlations between CFHR4 and prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in HCC are yet unknown. The present study demonstrated the involvement of CFHR4 in HCC via data mining approaches. Results A total of 18 upregulated and 67 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Importantly, CFHR4, which was screened from DEGs, was shown to express at a lower level in HCC tumor tissue than normal tissues. Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments of clinical samples further validated CFHR4 was aberrantly expressed in HCC patients; Data from TCGA showed that CFHR4 was inversely correlated with a cancer family history, histological grade, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, and serum AFP level of HCC patients; Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that low expression of CFHR4 was an independent predictive marker in patients with HCC; Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the lower expression of CFHR4 was significantly associated with the progression of HCC and poor prognosis rates. Furthermore, TIMER analysis indicated that CFHR4 expression levels had correlations with infiltrating levels of immune cells in HCC. Conclusion CFHR4 expression was low in HCC and was significantly related to the poor prognosis of HCC and the level of immune infiltration. CFHR4 played important roles in regulating the initiation and progression of HCC and could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Methods The expression of CFHR4 was analyzed by GEO and TCGA-LIHC database and verified by WB and IHC assay. The biological function of CFHR4 was performed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and the genomic alteration of CFHR4 was investigated by cBioPortal database.The correlation between CFHR4 expression and clinical relevance was evaluated through Cox proportional hazards model, and the correlation between CFHR4 expression and tumor immune infiltrates were studied by TIMER database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Ding
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanluo Li
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigao Xu
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kanghong Hu
- Sino-German Biomedical Center, National Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education & Hubei Province), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qifa Ye
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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7
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Yarmoska SK, Alawieh AM, Tomlinson S, Hoang KB. Modulation of the Complement System by Neoplastic Disease of the Central Nervous System. Front Immunol 2021; 12:689435. [PMID: 34671342 PMCID: PMC8521155 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.689435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a highly conserved component of innate immunity that is involved in recognizing and responding to pathogens. The system serves as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, and modulation of the complement system can affect the entire host immune response to a foreign insult. Neoplastic diseases have been shown to engage the complement system in order to evade the immune system, gain a selective growth advantage, and co-opt the surrounding environment for tumor proliferation. Historically, the central nervous system has been considered to be an immune-privileged environment, but it is now clear that there are active roles for both innate and adaptive immunity within the central nervous system. Much of the research on the role of immunological modulation of neoplastic disease within the central nervous system has focused on adaptive immunity, even though innate immunity still plays a critical role in the natural history of central nervous system neoplasms. Here, we review the modulation of the complement system by a variety of neoplastic diseases of the central nervous system. We also discuss gaps in the current body of knowledge and comment on future directions for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven K. Yarmoska
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ali M. Alawieh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stephen Tomlinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Kimberly B. Hoang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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8
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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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9
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DeCordova S, Shastri A, Tsolaki AG, Yasmin H, Klein L, Singh SK, Kishore U. Molecular Heterogeneity and Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1402. [PMID: 32765498 PMCID: PMC7379131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis, despite surgical resection combined with radio- and chemotherapy. The major clinical obstacles contributing to poor GBM prognosis are late diagnosis, diffuse infiltration, pseudo-palisading necrosis, microvascular proliferation, and resistance to conventional therapy. These challenges are further compounded by extensive inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic plasticity of GBM cells. The complex heterogeneous nature of GBM cells is facilitated by the local inflammatory tumor microenvironment, which mostly induces tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance. An immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of GBM provides multiple pathways for tumor immune evasion. Infiltrating immune cells, mostly tumor-associated macrophages, comprise much of the non-neoplastic population in GBM. Further understanding of the immune microenvironment of GBM is essential to make advances in the development of immunotherapeutics. Recently, whole-genome sequencing, epigenomics and transcriptional profiling have significantly helped improve the prognostic and therapeutic outcomes of GBM patients. Here, we discuss recent genomic advances, the role of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, and the presence of an established immunosuppressive GBM microenvironment that suppresses and/or prevents the anti-tumor host response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syreeta DeCordova
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abhishek Shastri
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony G Tsolaki
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hadida Yasmin
- Immunology and Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, Cooch Behar, India
| | - Lukas Klein
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastroenterology Oncology, University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shiv K Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastroenterology Oncology, University Medical Centre, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Kárpáti É, Papp A, Schneider AE, Hajnal D, Cserhalmi M, Csincsi ÁI, Uzonyi B, Józsi M. Interaction of the Factor H Family Proteins FHR-1 and FHR-5 With DNA and Dead Cells: Implications for the Regulation of Complement Activation and Opsonization. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1297. [PMID: 32765490 PMCID: PMC7378360 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement plays an essential role in the opsonophagocytic clearance of apoptotic/necrotic cells. Dysregulation of this process may lead to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Factor H (FH), a major soluble complement inhibitor, binds to dead cells and inhibits excessive complement activation on their surface, preventing lysis, and the release of intracellular material, including DNA. The FH-related (FHR) proteins share common ligands with FH, due to their homology with this complement regulator, but they lack the domains that mediate the complement inhibitory activity of FH. Because their roles in complement regulation is controversial and incompletely understood, we studied the interaction of FHR-1 and FHR-5 with DNA and dead cells and investigated whether they influence the regulatory role of FH and the complement activation on DNA and dead cells. FH, FHR-1, and FHR-5 bound to both plasmid DNA and human genomic DNA, where both FHR proteins inhibited FH-DNA interaction. The FH cofactor activity was inhibited by FHR-1 and FHR-5 due to the reduced binding of FH to DNA in the presence of the FHRs. Both FHRs caused increased complement activation on DNA. FHR-1 and FHR-5 bound to late apoptotic and necrotic cells and recruited monomeric C-reactive protein and pentraxin 3, and vice versa. Interactions of the FHRs with pentraxins resulted in enhanced activation of both the classical and the alternative complement pathways on dead cells when exposed to human serum. Altogether, our results demonstrate that FHR-1 and FHR-5 are competitive inhibitors of FH on DNA; moreover, FHR-pentraxin interactions promote opsonization of dead cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Kárpáti
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Papp
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea E Schneider
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Hajnal
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marcell Cserhalmi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám I Csincsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Complement Research Group, 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, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Huang R, Chen Z, Li W, Fan C, Liu J. Immune system‑associated genes increase malignant progression and can be used to predict clinical outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1199-1211. [PMID: 32319580 PMCID: PMC7115743 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.4998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant types of cancer, and is associated with high recurrence rates and a poor response to chemotherapy. Immune signatures in the microenvironment of HCC have not been well explored systematically. The aim of the present study was to identify prognostic immune signatures and build a nomogram for use in clinical evaluation. Using bioinformatics analysis, RNA‑seq data and overall survival (OS) information on 370 HCC cases from TCGA and 232 HCC cases from ICGC were analyzed. The differential expression of select immune genes, based on previously published studies, between HCC and adjacent tissue were analyzed using the limma package in R. Enrichment of pathways and gene ontology analysis was performed using clusterProfiler. Subsequently, univariate Cox regression analysis, Lasso penalty linear regression and multivariate Cox regression models were used to construct a model for immune risk score (IRS). The R packages, survival and survivalROC, were used to plot survival and the associated receiver operating characteristic curves. Infiltration of immune cells was calculated using Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource, with significance examined using a Pearson's correlation test. P<0.05 was considered significant. Based on the analysis, expression of 200 immune genes were upregulated and 47 immune genes were downregulated immune genes. In the multivariate Cox model, 5 genes (enhancer of zest homology 2, ferritin light chain, complement factor H related 3, isthmin 2, cyclin dependent kinase 5) were used to generate the IRS. By stratifying according to the median IRS, it was shown that patients with a high IRS had poor OS rates after 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, and this result was consistent across the testing, training and independent validation cohorts. Additionally, the IRS was correlated with the abundance of infiltrating immune cells. The nomogram built using IRS and clinical characteristics, was able to predict 1, 3 and 5 year OS with area under the curve values of >0.8. These results suggest that the model developed to calculate the IRS may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment strategies and for prognostic prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfu Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000
| | - Zheng Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200000
| | | | - Chunmei Fan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yue Bei People's Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512026, P.R. China
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12
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A genome-wide association study identifies key modulators of complement factor H binding to malondialdehyde-epitopes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9942-9951. [PMID: 32321835 PMCID: PMC7211993 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913970117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway due to impaired binding of complement factor H (CFH) to self-ligands or altered self-ligands (e.g. malondialdehyde [MDA]-modified molecules) involved in homeostasis can promote the development of complement-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We identified, in an unbiased GWAS approach, that common genetic variants within the CFH gene family (rs1061170 and the deletion of the complement factor H-related protein 1 and 3 genes [CFHR3 and CFHR1]) act as major modulators of CFH recruitment and its ability to regulate complement on MDA-epitopes. These findings demonstrate the importance of the genetic status within the CFH/CFHR3/CFHR1 locus in tissue homeostasis and provide a mechanistic explanation as to why deletion of CFHR3/CFHR1 is protective in AMD development. Genetic variants within complement factor H (CFH), a major alternative complement pathway regulator, are associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other complementopathies. This is explained with the reduced binding of CFH or its splice variant factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1) to self-ligands or altered self-ligands (e.g., malondialdehyde [MDA]-modified molecules) involved in homeostasis, thereby causing impaired complement regulation. Considering the critical role of CFH in inhibiting alternative pathway activation on MDA-modified surfaces, we performed an unbiased genome-wide search for genetic variants that modify the ability of plasma CFH to bind MDA in 1,830 individuals and characterized the mechanistic basis and the functional consequences of this. In a cohort of healthy individuals, we identified rs1061170 in CFH and the deletion of CFHR3 and CFHR1 as dominant genetic variants that modify CFH/FHL-1 binding to MDA. We further demonstrated that FHR1 and FHR3 compete with CFH for binding to MDA-epitopes and that FHR1 displays the highest affinity toward MDA-epitopes compared to CFH and FHR3. Moreover, FHR1 bound to MDA-rich areas on necrotic cells and prevented CFH from mediating its cofactor activity on MDA-modified surfaces, resulting in enhanced complement activation. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation as to why the deletion of CFHR3 and CFHR1 is protective in AMD and highlight the importance of genetic variants within the CFH/CFHR3/CFHR1 locus in the recognition of altered-self in tissue homeostasis.
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Cipriani V, Lorés-Motta L, He F, Fathalla D, Tilakaratna V, McHarg S, Bayatti N, Acar İE, Hoyng CB, Fauser S, Moore AT, Yates JRW, de Jong EK, Morgan BP, den Hollander AI, Bishop PN, Clark SJ. Increased circulating levels of Factor H-Related Protein 4 are strongly associated with age-related macular degeneration. Nat Commun 2020; 11:778. [PMID: 32034129 PMCID: PMC7005798 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness. Genetic variants at the chromosome 1q31.3 encompassing the complement factor H (CFH, FH) and CFH related genes (CFHR1-5) are major determinants of AMD susceptibility, but their molecular consequences remain unclear. Here we demonstrate that FHR-4 plays a prominent role in AMD pathogenesis. We show that systemic FHR-4 levels are elevated in AMD (P-value = 7.1 × 10-6), whereas no difference is seen for FH. Furthermore, FHR-4 accumulates in the choriocapillaris, Bruch's membrane and drusen, and can compete with FH/FHL-1 for C3b binding, preventing FI-mediated C3b cleavage. Critically, the protective allele of the strongest AMD-associated CFH locus variant rs10922109 has the highest association with reduced FHR-4 levels (P-value = 2.2 × 10-56), independently of the AMD-protective CFHR1-3 deletion, and even in those individuals that carry the high-risk allele of rs1061170 (Y402H). Our findings identify FHR-4 as a key molecular player contributing to complement dysregulation in AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cipriani
- William Harvey Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacology, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Laura Lorés-Motta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Fan He
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Dina Fathalla
- Systems Immunity URI, Division of Infection and Immunity, and UK DRI Cardiff, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Viranga Tilakaratna
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Selina McHarg
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nadhim Bayatti
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - İlhan E Acar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Carel B Hoyng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Fauser
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, 50924, Germany
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, 4070, Switzerland
| | - Anthony T Moore
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Ophthalmology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John R W Yates
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Eiko K de Jong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Systems Immunity URI, Division of Infection and Immunity, and UK DRI Cardiff, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Anneke I den Hollander
- Department of Ophthalmology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, 6525 GA, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, 6525 HR, The Netherlands
| | - Paul N Bishop
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Simon J Clark
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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14
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Regulation of regulators: Role of the complement factor H-related proteins. Semin Immunol 2019; 45:101341. [PMID: 31757608 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.101341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The complement system, while being an essential and very efficient effector component of innate immunity, may cause damage to the host and result in various inflammatory, autoimmune and infectious diseases or cancer, when it is improperly activated or regulated. Factor H is a serum glycoprotein and the main regulator of the activity of the alternative complement pathway. Factor H, together with its splice variant factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1), inhibits complement activation at the level of the central complement component C3 and beyond. In humans, there are also five factor H-related (FHR) proteins, whose function is poorly characterized. While data indicate complement inhibiting activity for some of the FHRs, there is increasing evidence that FHRs have an opposite role compared with factor H and FHL-1, namely, they enhance complement activation directly and also by competing with the regulators FH and FHL-1. This review summarizes the current stand and recent data on the roles of factor H family proteins in health and disease, with focus on the function of FHR proteins.
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15
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Seguin-Devaux C, Plesseria JM, Verschueren C, Masquelier C, Iserentant G, Fullana M, Józsi M, Cohen JHM, Dervillez X. FHR4-based immunoconjugates direct complement-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis towards HER2-positive cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:2531-2553. [PMID: 31365168 PMCID: PMC6887587 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Directing selective complement activation towards tumour cells is an attractive strategy to promote their elimination. In the present work, we have generated heteromultimeric immunoconjugates that selectively activate the complement alternative pathway (AP) on tumour cells. We used the C4b‐binding protein C‐terminal‐α‐/β‐chain scaffold for multimerisation to generate heteromultimeric immunoconjugates displaying (a) a multivalent‐positive regulator of the AP, the human factor H‐related protein 4 (FHR4) with; (b) a multivalent targeting function directed against erbB2 (HER2); and (c) a monovalent enhanced GFP tracking function. Two distinct VHH targeting two different epitopes against HER2 and competing either with trastuzumab or with pertuzumab‐recognising epitopes [VHH(T) or VHH(P)], respectively, were used as HER2 anchoring moieties. Optimised high‐FHR4 valence heteromultimeric immunoconjugates [FHR4/VHH(T) or FHR4/VHH(P)] were selected by sequential cell cloning and a selective multistep His‐Trap purification. Optimised FHR4‐heteromultimeric immunoconjugates successfully overcame FH‐mediated complement inhibition threshold, causing increased C3b deposition on SK‐OV‐3, BT474 and SK‐BR3 tumour cells, and increased formation of lytic membrane attack complex densities and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). CDC varies according to the pattern expression and densities of membrane‐anchored complement regulatory proteins on tumour cell surfaces. In addition, opsonised BT474 tumour cells were efficiently phagocytosed by macrophages through complement‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. We showed that the degree of FHR4‐multivalency within the multimeric immunoconjugates was the key element to efficiently compete and deregulate FH and FH‐mediated convertase decay locally on tumour cell surface. FHR4 can thus represent a novel therapeutic molecule, when expressed as a multimeric entity and associated with an anchoring system, to locally shift the complement steady‐state towards activation on tumour cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Seguin-Devaux
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jean-Marc Plesseria
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Charlène Verschueren
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Cécile Masquelier
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Gilles Iserentant
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marie Fullana
- Société d'Accélération des Transferts de Technologies du Nord, Direction Territoriale Reims, Reims, France
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Xavier Dervillez
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Life Sciences Research Unit (LSRU), Signal Transduction Laboratory, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
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16
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Liu H, Zhang L, Wang P. Complement factor H‑related 3 overexpression affects hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and apoptosis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:2694-2702. [PMID: 31524260 PMCID: PMC6691229 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement factor H‑related 3 (CFHR3) belongs to the human factor H protein family and is associated with various human diseases, including nephropathy, age‑related macular degeneration and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of CFHR3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In the present study, reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) and western blot analysis were performed to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of CFHR3 in HCC and normal adjacent tissue. In addition, CFHR3 was overexpressed in Huh‑7 cells and cell counting kit‑8 assay was used to determine cell viability. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry, RT‑qPCR and western blotting. The results demonstrated that mRNA (2‑ΔΔCq) and protein expression levels of CFHR3 were significantly lower in tumor tissue compared with in adjacent tissue. Additionally, CFHR3 overexpression decreased cell viability, inhibited cell proliferation and significantly increased apoptosis. It was also identified that CFHR3 could downregulate the expression of Ki67. The results suggested that CFHR3 induced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of survivin and B cell lymphoma 2, upregulating the expression of Bcl‑2‑associated X and promoting caspase‑3 activity. Western blotting revealed that CFHR3 significantly inhibited the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)‑phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K), p‑protein kinase B (Akt) and p‑mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Overexpression of CFHR3 suppressed proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Ligang Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
| | - Pengyan Wang
- Department of Research and Education, Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264001, P.R. China
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Abstract
Aspartyl proteases are present in various organisms and, among virulent species, are considered major virulence factors. Host tissue and cell damage, hijacking of immune responses, and hiding from innate immune cells are the most common behaviors of fungal secreted proteases enabling pathogen survival and invasion. C. parapsilosis, an opportunistic human-pathogenic fungus mainly threatening low-birth weight neonates and children, possesses three SAPP protein-encoding genes that could contribute to the invasiveness of the species. Our results suggest that SAPP1 and SAPP2, but not SAPP3, influence host evasion by regulating cell damage, phagocytosis, phagosome-lysosome maturation, killing, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, SAPP1 and SAPP2 also effectively contribute to complement evasion. Candida parapsilosis is an emerging non-albicans Candida species that largely affects low-birth-weight infants and immunocompromised patients. Fungal pathogenesis is promoted by the dynamic expression of diverse virulence factors, with secreted proteolytic enzymes being linked to the establishment and progression of disease. Although secreted aspartyl proteases (Sap) are critical for Candida albicans pathogenicity, their role in C. parapsilosis is poorly elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to examine the contribution of C. parapsilosisSAPP genes SAPP1, SAPP2, and SAPP3 to the virulence of the species. Our results indicate that SAPP1 and SAPP2, but not SAPP3, influence adhesion, host cell damage, phagosome-lysosome maturation, phagocytosis, killing capacity, and cytokine secretion by human peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Purified Sapp1p and Sapp2p were also shown to efficiently cleave host complement component 3b (C3b) and C4b proteins and complement regulator factor H. Additionally, Sapp2p was able to cleave factor H-related protein 5 (FHR-5). Altogether, these data demonstrate the diverse, significant contributions that SAPP1 and SAPP2 make to the establishment and progression of disease by C. parapsilosis through enabling the attachment of the yeast cells to mammalian cells and modulating macrophage biology and disruption of the complement cascade. IMPORTANCE Aspartyl proteases are present in various organisms and, among virulent species, are considered major virulence factors. Host tissue and cell damage, hijacking of immune responses, and hiding from innate immune cells are the most common behaviors of fungal secreted proteases enabling pathogen survival and invasion. C. parapsilosis, an opportunistic human-pathogenic fungus mainly threatening low-birth weight neonates and children, possesses three SAPP protein-encoding genes that could contribute to the invasiveness of the species. Our results suggest that SAPP1 and SAPP2, but not SAPP3, influence host evasion by regulating cell damage, phagocytosis, phagosome-lysosome maturation, killing, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, SAPP1 and SAPP2 also effectively contribute to complement evasion.
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18
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Serum FHR1 binding to necrotic-type cells activates monocytic inflammasome and marks necrotic sites in vasculopathies. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2961. [PMID: 31273197 PMCID: PMC6609651 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10766-0] [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: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent inflammation is a hallmark of many human diseases, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) and atherosclerosis. Here, we describe a dominant trigger of inflammation: human serum factor H-related protein FHR1. In vitro, this protein selectively binds to necrotic cells via its N-terminus; in addition, it binds near necrotic glomerular sites of AAV patients and necrotic areas in atherosclerotic plaques. FHR1, but not factor H, FHR2 or FHR3 strongly induces inflammasome NLRP3 in blood-derived human monocytes, which subsequently secrete IL-1β, TNFα, IL-18 and IL-6. FHR1 triggers the phospholipase C-pathway via the G-protein coupled receptor EMR2 independent of complement. Moreover, FHR1 concentrations of AAV patients negatively correlate with glomerular filtration rates and associate with the levels of inflammation and progressive disease. These data highlight an unexpected role for FHR1 during sterile inflammation, may explain why FHR1-deficiency protects against certain diseases, and identifies potential targets for treatment of auto-inflammatory diseases.
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19
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Mares J, Tuma Z, Moravec J, Pavlina R, Matejovic M. Proteins adsorbed to a polysulfone hemodialysis membrane under heparin and citrate anticoagulation regimens. Artif Organs 2019; 43:1092-1103. [PMID: 31162876 DOI: 10.1111/aor.13506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The study aim was to compare molecular-level effects (blood-dialyzer interactions) of heparin and citrate anticoagulation using proteome-wide analysis of biofilm adsorbed to dialysis membrane. Ten patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were examined in a crossover design under three different anticoagulation regimens, namely citrate, heparin, and anticoagulation-free (control). Following a regular hemodialysis session (4 hours, polysulfone membrane), dialyzers were flushed and the surface biofilm eluted by acetic acid. Protein composition of the eluates was determined by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and resulting patterns compared between regimens. Proteins responsible for the difference were identified by mass spectrometry. Citrate anticoagulation was associated with significantly less protein adsorption to the membrane than heparin (2.2 [1.1-2.9] mg vs. 6.5 [2.9-11.6] mg, P = 0.009). Among the proteins identified as major discriminators between citrate and the other regimens, fibrin α-chain fragments of molecular weight below 40 kDa prevailed. In these fragments, an analysis of the amino acid sequence has been performed by comparison with the UniProt database. It showed missing α-chain cross-links. On the contrary, heparin prevented adsorption and cleavage of several heparin-binding proteins; especially complement factor H-related protein 3, insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (2, 4, and 5), and chemerin. Compared to heparin, citrate is associated with less protein adsorption and imperfectly crosslinked fibrin clot formation. Membrane adsorptive properties are significantly modified by the anticoagulation regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mares
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Tuma
- Proteomic Laboratory, Charles University Medical School, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Moravec
- Proteomic Laboratory, Charles University Medical School, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Richtrova Pavlina
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Matejovic
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Plzen, Czech Republic
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Sánchez-Corral P, Pouw RB, López-Trascasa M, Józsi M. Self-Damage Caused by Dysregulation of the Complement Alternative Pathway: Relevance of the Factor H Protein Family. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1607. [PMID: 30050540 PMCID: PMC6052053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The alternative pathway is a continuously active surveillance arm of the complement system, and it can also enhance complement activation initiated by the classical and the lectin pathways. Various membrane-bound and plasma regulatory proteins control the activation of the potentially deleterious complement system. Among the regulators, the plasma glycoprotein factor H (FH) is the main inhibitor of the alternative pathway and its powerful amplification loop. FH belongs to a protein family that also includes FH-like protein 1 and five factor H-related (FHR-1 to FHR-5) proteins. Genetic variants and abnormal rearrangements involving the FH protein family have been linked to numerous systemic and organ-specific diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, and the renal pathologies atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathies, and IgA nephropathy. This review covers the known and recently emerged ligands and interactions of the human FH family proteins associated with disease and discuss the very recent experimental data that suggest FH-antagonistic and complement-activating functions for the FHR proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Sánchez-Corral
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Margarita López-Trascasa
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Research Group of Immunology and Hematology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Pouw RB, Gómez Delgado I, López Lera A, Rodríguez de Córdoba S, Wouters D, Kuijpers TW, Sánchez-Corral P. High Complement Factor H-Related (FHR)-3 Levels Are Associated With the Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome-Risk Allele CFHR3*B. Front Immunol 2018; 9:848. [PMID: 29740447 PMCID: PMC5928496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the complement alternative pathway (AP) is a major pathogenic mechanism in atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS). Genetic or acquired defects in factor H (FH), the main AP regulator, are major aHUS drivers that associate with a poor prognosis. FH activity has been suggested to be downregulated by homologous FH-related (FHR) proteins, including FHR-3 and FHR-1. Hence, their relative levels in plasma could be disease-relevant. The genes coding for FH, FHR-3, and FHR-1 (CFH, CFHR3, and CFHR1, respectively) are polymorphic and located adjacent to each other on human chromosome 1q31.3. We have previously shown that haplotype CFH(H3)-CFHR3*B-CFHR1*B associates with aHUS and reduced FH levels. In this study, we used a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify FHR-3 in plasma samples from controls and patients with aHUS genotyped for the three known CFHR3 alleles (CFHR3*A, CFHR3*B, and CFHR3*Del). In the 218 patients carrying at least one copy of CFHR3, significant differences between CFHR3 genotype groups were found, with CFHR3*A/Del patients having the lowest FHR-3 concentration (0.684-1.032 µg/mL), CFHR3*B/Del and CFHR3*A/A patients presenting intermediate levels (1.437-2.201 µg/mL), and CFHR3*A/B and CFHR3*B/B patients showing the highest concentration (2.330-4.056 µg/mL) (p < 0.001). These data indicate that CFHR3*A is a low-expression allele, whereas CFHR3*B, associated with increased risk of aHUS, is a high-expression allele. Our study reveals that the aHUS-risk haplotype CFH(H3)-CFHR3*B-CFHR1*B generates twofold more FHR-3 than the non-risk CFH(H1)-CFHR3*A-CFHR1*A haplotype. In addition, FHR-3 levels were higher in patients with aHUS than in control individuals with the same CFHR3 genotype. These data suggest that increased plasma levels of FHR-3, altering the balance between FH and FHR-3, likely impact the FH regulatory functions and contribute to the development of aHUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. Pouw
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Irene Gómez Delgado
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto López Lera
- Immunology Unit, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Rodríguez de Córdoba
- Biological Research Center (CIB)-CSIC, Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Wouters
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Taco W. Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pilar Sánchez-Corral
- Complement Research Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
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22
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Pouw RB, Brouwer MC, van Beek AE, Józsi M, Wouters D, Kuijpers TW. Complement Factor H-Related Protein 4A Is the Dominant Circulating Splice Variant of CFHR4. Front Immunol 2018; 9:729. [PMID: 29719534 PMCID: PMC5913293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has elucidated circulating levels of almost all factor H-related (FHR) proteins. Some of these proteins are hypothesized to act as antagonists of the important complement regulator factor H (FH), fine-tuning complement regulation on human surfaces. For the CFHR4 splice variants FHR-4A and FHR-4B, the individual circulating levels are unknown, with only total levels being described. Specific reagents for FHR-4A or FHR-4B are lacking due to the fact that the unique domains in FHR-4A show high sequence similarity with FHR-4B, making it challenging to distinguish them. We developed an assay that specifically measures FHR-4A using novel, well-characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target unique domains in FHR-4A only. Using various FHR-4A/FHR-4B-specific mAbs, no FHR-4B was identified in any of the serum samples tested. The results demonstrate that FHR-4A is the dominant splice variant of CFHR4 in the circulation, while casting doubt on the presence of FHR-4B. FHR-4A levels (avg. 2.55 ± 1.46 µg/mL) were within the range of most of the previously reported levels for all other FHRs. FHR-4A was found to be highly variable among the population, suggesting a strong genetic regulation. These results shed light on the physiological relevance of the previously proposed role of FHR-4A and FHR-4B as antagonists of FH in the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. Pouw
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mieke C. Brouwer
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anna E. van Beek
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mihály Józsi
- MTA-ELTE “Lendület” Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diana Wouters
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Taco W. Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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23
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Antonioli AH, White J, Crawford F, Renner B, Marchbank KJ, Hannan JP, Thurman JM, Marrack P, Holers VM. Modulation of the Alternative Pathway of Complement by Murine Factor H-Related Proteins. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2018; 200:316-326. [PMID: 29187587 PMCID: PMC5736413 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1602017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Factor H (FH) is a key alternative pathway regulator that controls complement activation both in the fluid phase and on specific cell surfaces, thus allowing the innate immune response to discriminate between self and foreign pathogens. However, the interrelationships between FH and a group of closely related molecules, designated the FH-related (FHR) proteins, are currently not well understood. Whereas some studies have suggested that human FHR proteins possess complement regulatory abilities, recent studies have shown that FHR proteins are potent deregulators. Furthermore, the roles of the FHR proteins have not been explored in any in vivo models of inflammatory disease. In this study, we report the cloning and expression of recombinant mouse FH and three FHR proteins (FHR proteins A-C). Results from functional assays show that FHR-A and FHR-B proteins antagonize the protective function of FH in sheep erythrocyte hemolytic assays and increase cell-surface C3b deposition on a mouse kidney proximal tubular cell line (TEC) and a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19). We also report apparent KD values for the binding interaction of mouse C3d with mouse FH (3.85 μM), FHR-A (136 nM), FHR-B (546 nM), and FHR-C (1.04 μM), which directly correlate with results from functional assays. Collectively, our work suggests that similar to their human counterparts, a subset of mouse FHR proteins have an important modulatory role in complement activation. Further work is warranted to define the in vivo context-dependent roles of these proteins and determine whether FHR proteins are suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment of complement-driven diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janice White
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Denver, CO 80206
| | | | - Brandon Renner
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Hannan
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Joshua M Thurman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Philippa Marrack
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Denver, CO 80206
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206; and
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - V Michael Holers
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045;
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24
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Cserhalmi M, Csincsi ÁI, Mezei Z, Kopp A, Hebecker M, Uzonyi B, Józsi M. The Murine Factor H-Related Protein FHR-B Promotes Complement Activation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1145. [PMID: 28974948 PMCID: PMC5610720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Factor H-related (FHR) proteins consist of varying number of complement control protein domains that display various degrees of sequence identity to respective domains of the alternative pathway complement inhibitor factor H (FH). While such FHR proteins are described in several species, only human FHRs were functionally investigated. Their biological role is still poorly understood and in part controversial. Recent studies on some of the human FHRs strongly suggest a role for FHRs in enhancing complement activation via competing with FH for binding to certain ligands and surfaces. The aim of the current study was the functional characterization of a murine FHR, FHR-B. To this end, FHR-B was expressed in recombinant form. Recombinant FHR-B bound to human C3b and was able to compete with human FH for C3b binding. FHR-B supported the assembly of functionally active C3bBb alternative pathway C3 convertase via its interaction with C3b. This activity was confirmed by demonstrating C3 activation in murine serum. In addition, FHR-B bound to murine pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and this interaction resulted in murine C3 fragment deposition due to enhanced complement activation in mouse serum. FHR-B also induced C3 deposition on C-reactive protein, the extracellular matrix (ECM) extract Matrigel, and endothelial cell-derived ECM when exposed to mouse serum. Moreover, mouse C3 deposition was strongly enhanced on necrotic Jurkat T cells and the mouse B cell line A20 by FHR-B. FHR-B also induced lysis of sheep erythrocytes when incubated in mouse serum with FHR-B added in excess. Altogether, these data demonstrate that, similar to human FHR-1 and FHR-5, mouse FHR-B modulates complement activity by promoting complement activation via interaction with C3b and via competition with murine FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Cserhalmi
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám I Csincsi
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Mezei
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anne Kopp
- Junior Research Group for Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mario Hebecker
- Junior Research Group for Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- MTA-ELTE Immunology Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Józsi
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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25
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Abstract
The role of the complement factor H-related (FHR) proteins in homeostasis, pathogen defense, and autoimmune disease has recently attracted considerable interest. We highlight the exciting research that has contributed to our understanding of the FHR protein family. Unlike factor H, a potent negative regulator of complement C3 activation, the FHR proteins appear to promote C3 activation. These data have important implications for understanding complement-mediated diseases because, depending on the context, the balance between the actions of factor H and the FHR proteins determines the degree of complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, UK
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26
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Ding Y, Zhao W, Zhang T, Qiang H, Lu J, Su X, Wen S, Xu F, Zhang M, Zhang H, Zeng C, Liu Z, Chen H. A haplotype in CFH family genes confers high risk of rare glomerular nephropathies. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6004. [PMID: 28729648 PMCID: PMC5519609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite distinct renal lesions, a series of rare glomerular nephropathies are reportedly mediated by complement overactivation. Genetic variations in complement genes contribute to disease risk, but the relationship of genotype to phenotype has not been straightforward. Here, we screened 11 complement genes from 91 patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I (MPGN I), and identified the concomitant presence of three missense variations located within the human complement Factor H (CFH) gene cluster. The three variations, rs55807605, rs61737525 and rs57960694, have strong linkage disequilibrium; subsequent haplotype analysis indicated that ATA increased the susceptibility of these renal diseases. In silico analysis, the CFHR3 rs61737525-T risk allele altered the physical and structural properties and generated a reduction in binding affinity of the CFHR3/C3b complex. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding analysis further demonstrated the substitution induced a decrease of two orders of magnitude in C3b-binding properties, with a declined cofactor activity in fluid phase. These data suggest that the haplotype carrying the causative allele behaves as a partial C3 convertase deficiency, predisposing individuals to diverse pathologic lesions underlying complement overactivation. Such genotype-phenotype discrepancies allow better understanding about these nephropathies mediated by genetic complement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ding
- Devision of Nephrology, Jinling Hospital, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210016, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Hao Qiang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Devision of Nephrology, Jinling Hospital, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210016, China.,National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Xin Su
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shuzhen Wen
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Feng Xu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Mingchao Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Haitao Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Caihong Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Devision of Nephrology, Jinling Hospital, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, 210016, China. .,National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China.
| | - Huimei Chen
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, 210016, China.
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27
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Józsi M. Factor H Family Proteins in Complement Evasion of Microorganisms. Front Immunol 2017; 8:571. [PMID: 28572805 PMCID: PMC5435753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-pathogenic microbes possess various means to avoid destruction by our immune system. These include interactions with the host complement system that may facilitate pathogen entry into cells and tissues, expression of molecules that defuse the effector complement components and complexes, and acquisition of host complement inhibitors to downregulate complement activity on the surface of the pathogen. A growing number of pathogenic microorganisms have acquired the ability to bind the complement inhibitor factor H (FH) from body fluids and thus hijack its host protecting function. In addition to FH, binding of FH-related (FHR) proteins was also demonstrated for several microbes. Initial studies assumed that these proteins are complement inhibitors similar to FH. However, recent evidence suggests that FHR proteins may rather enhance complement activation both directly and also by competing with the inhibitor FH for binding to certain ligands and surfaces. This mini review focuses on the role of the main alternative pathway regulator FH in host–pathogen interactions, as well as on the emerging role of the FHR proteins as enhancers of complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihály Józsi
- MTA-ELTE "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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28
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Connecting genetic risk to disease end points through the human blood plasma proteome. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14357. [PMID: 28240269 PMCID: PMC5333359 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 369] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with intermediate phenotypes, like changes in metabolite and protein levels, provide functional evidence to map disease associations and translate them into clinical applications. However, although hundreds of genetic variants have been associated with complex disorders, the underlying molecular pathways often remain elusive. Associations with intermediate traits are key in establishing functional links between GWAS-identified risk-variants and disease end points. Here we describe a GWAS using a highly multiplexed aptamer-based affinity proteomics platform. We quantify 539 associations between protein levels and gene variants (pQTLs) in a German cohort and replicate over half of them in an Arab and Asian cohort. Fifty-five of the replicated pQTLs are located in trans. Our associations overlap with 57 genetic risk loci for 42 unique disease end points. We integrate this information into a genome-proteome network and provide an interactive web-tool for interrogations. Our results provide a basis for novel approaches to pharmaceutical and diagnostic applications. Individual genetic variation can affect the levels of protein in blood, but detailed data sets linking these two types of data are rare. Here, the authors carry out a genome-wide association study of levels of over a thousand different proteins, and describe many new SNP-protein interactions.
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29
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Schäfer N, Grosche A, Reinders J, Hauck SM, Pouw RB, Kuijpers TW, Wouters D, Ehrenstein B, Enzmann V, Zipfel PF, Skerka C, Pauly D. Complement Regulator FHR-3 Is Elevated either Locally or Systemically in a Selection of Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2016; 7:542. [PMID: 27965669 PMCID: PMC5124756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The human complement factor H-related protein-3 (FHR-3) is a soluble regulator of the complement system. Homozygous cfhr3/1 deletion is a genetic risk factor for the autoimmune form of atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS), while also found to be protective in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The precise function of FHR-3 remains to be fully characterized. We generated four mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for FHR-3 (RETC) without cross-reactivity to the complement factor H (FH)-family. These antibodies detected FHR-3 from human serum with a mean concentration of 1 μg/mL. FHR-3 levels in patients were significantly increased in sera from systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica but remained almost unchanged in samples from AMD or aHUS patients. Moreover, by immunostaining of an aged human donor retina, we discovered a local FHR-3 production by microglia/macrophages. The mAb RETC-2 modulated FHR-3 binding to C3b but not the binding of FHR-3 to heparin. Interestingly, FHR-3 competed with FH for binding C3b and the mAb RETC-2 reduced the interaction of FHR-3 and C3b, resulting in increased FH binding. Our results unveil a previously unknown systemic involvement of FHR-3 in rheumatoid diseases and a putative local role of FHR-3 mediated by microglia/macrophages in the damaged retina. We conclude that the local FHR-3/FH equilibrium in AMD is a potential therapeutic target, which can be modulated by our specific mAb RETC-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schäfer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Antje Grosche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Joerg Reinders
- Institute of Functional Genomics, University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH) , Neuherberg , Germany
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Taco W Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Academic Medical Center, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Diana Wouters
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Boris Ehrenstein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach , Bad Abbach , Germany
| | - Volker Enzmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology , Jena , Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
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30
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Nashine S, Chwa M, Kazemian M, Thaker K, Lu S, Nesburn A, Kuppermann BD, Kenney MC. Differential Expression of Complement Markers in Normal and AMD Transmitochondrial Cybrids. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159828. [PMID: 27486856 PMCID: PMC4972370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Variations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and abnormalities in the complement pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was designed to determine the effects of mtDNA from AMD subjects on the complement pathway. Methods Transmitochondrial cybrids were prepared by fusing platelets from AMD and age-matched Normal subjects with Rho0 (lacking mtDNA) human ARPE-19 cells. Quantitative PCR and Western blotting were performed to examine gene and protein expression profiles, respectively, of complement markers in these cybrids. Bioenergetic profiles of Normal and AMD cybrids were examined using the Seahorse XF24 flux analyzer. Results Significant decreases in the gene and protein expression of complement inhibitors, along with significantly higher levels of complement activators, were found in AMD cybrids compared to Older-Normal cybrids. Seahorse flux data demonstrated that the bioenergetic profiles for Older-Normal and Older-AMD cybrid samples were similar to each other but were lower compared to Young-Normal cybrid samples. Conclusion In summary, since all cybrids had identical nuclei and differed only in mtDNA content, the observed changes in components of complement pathways can be attributed to mtDNA variations in the AMD subjects, suggesting that mitochondrial genome and retrograde signaling play critical roles in this disease. Furthermore, the similar bioenergetic profiles of AMD and Older-Normal cybrids indicate that the signaling between mitochondria and nuclei are probably not via a respiratory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Nashine
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Marilyn Chwa
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Mina Kazemian
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University Nevada, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Kunal Thaker
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Lu
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- VA Medical Center Long Beach Hospital, Long Beach, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony Nesburn
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Baruch D. Kuppermann
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - M. Cristina Kenney
- Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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31
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Durey MAD, Sinha A, Togarsimalemath SK, Bagga A. Anti-complement-factor H-associated glomerulopathies. Nat Rev Nephrol 2016; 12:563-78. [PMID: 27452363 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2016.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS), an important cause of acute kidney injury, is characterized by dysregulation of the complement pathway, frequent need for dialysis, and progression to end-stage renal disease. Autoantibodies against complement factor H (FH), the main plasma regulatory protein of the alternative pathway of the complement system, account for a considerable proportion of children with aHUS. The autoantibodies are usually associated with the occurrence of a homozygous deletion in the genes encoding the FH-related proteins FHR1 and FHR3. High levels of autoantibodies, noted at the onset of disease and during relapses, induce functional deficiency of FH, whereas their decline, in response to plasma exchanges and/or immunosuppressive therapy, is associated with disease remission. Management with plasma exchange and immunosuppression is remarkably effective in inducing and maintaining remission in aHUS associated with FH autoantibodies, whereas terminal complement blockade with eculizumab is considered the most effective therapy in other forms of aHUS. Anti-FH autoantibodies are also detected in a small proportion of patients with C3 glomerulopathies, which are characterized by chronic glomerular injury mediated by activation of the alternative complement pathway and predominant C3 deposits on renal histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Agnes Dragon Durey
- INSERM UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 15 rue de l'ecole de medecine, 75006 Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Service d'Immunologie Biologique, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, 20 rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aditi Sinha
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Shambhuprasad Kotresh Togarsimalemath
- INSERM UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 15 rue de l'ecole de medecine, 75006 Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Arvind Bagga
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
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32
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Buhlmann D, Eberhardt HU, Medyukhina A, Prodinger WM, Figge MT, Zipfel PF, Skerka C. FHR3 Blocks C3d-Mediated Coactivation of Human B Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:620-9. [PMID: 27279373 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The autoimmune renal disease deficient for complement factor H-related (CFHR) genes and autoantibody-positive form of hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies specific for the central complement regulator, factor H, combined with a homozygous deficiency, mostly in CFHR3 and CFHR1 Because FHR3 and FHR1 bind to C3d and inactivated C3b, which are ligands for complement receptor type 2 (CR2/CD21), the aim of the current study was to examine whether FHR3-C3d or FHR1-C3d complexes modulate B cell activation. Laser-scanning microscopy and automated image-based analysis showed that FHR3, but not FHR1 or factor H, blocked B cell activation by the BCR coreceptor complex (CD19/CD21/CD81). FHR3 bound to C3d, thereby inhibiting the interaction between C3d and CD21 and preventing colocalization of the coreceptor complex with the BCR. FHR3 neutralized the adjuvant effect of C3d on B cells, as shown by inhibited intracellular CD19 and Akt phosphorylation in Raji cells, as well as Ca(2+) release in peripheral B cells. In cases of CFHR3/CFHR1 deficiency, the FHR3 binding sites on C3d are occupied by factor H, which lacks B cell-inhibitory functions. These data provide evidence that FHR3, which is absent in patients with the autoimmune form of hemolytic uremic syndrome, is involved in B cell regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Buhlmann
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Hannes U Eberhardt
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Medyukhina
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Wolfgang M Prodinger
- Department of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany;
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33
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Pouw RB, Brouwer MC, Geissler J, van Herpen LV, Zeerleder SS, Wuillemin WA, Wouters D, Kuijpers TW. Complement Factor H-Related Protein 3 Serum Levels Are Low Compared to Factor H and Mainly Determined by Gene Copy Number Variation in CFHR3. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152164. [PMID: 27007437 PMCID: PMC4805260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The major human complement regulator in blood, complement factor H (FH), has several closely related proteins, called FH-related (FHR) proteins. As all FHRs lack relevant complement regulatory activity, their physiological role is not well understood. FHR protein 3 (FHR-3) has been suggested to compete with FH for binding to Neisseria meningitidis, thereby affecting complement-mediated clearance. Clearly, the in vivo outcome of such competition greatly depends on the FH and FHR-3 concentrations. While FH levels have been established, accurate FHR-3 levels were never unequivocally reported to date. Moreover, CFHR3 gene copy numbers commonly vary, which may impact the FHR-3 concentration. Hence, we generated five anti-FHR-3 mAbs to specifically measure FHR-3 in human healthy donors of which we determined the gene copy number variation at the CFH/CFHR locus. Finally, we examined the acute-phase response characteristics of FHR-3 in a small sepsis cohort. We determined FHR-3 levels to have a mean of 19 nM and that under normal conditions the copy number of CFHR3 correlates to a very large extent with the FHR-3 serum levels. On average, FHR-3 was 132-fold lower compared to the FH concentration in the same serum samples and FHR-3 did not behave as a major acute phase response protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B. Pouw
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mieke C. Brouwer
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judy Geissler
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurens V. van Herpen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sacha S. Zeerleder
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Walter A. Wuillemin
- Division of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Luzerner Kantonsspital and University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Diana Wouters
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Taco W. Kuijpers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Emma Children’s Hospital, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory of the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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34
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Muff-Luett M, Nester CM. The Genetics of Ultra-Rare Renal Disease. J Pediatr Genet 2016; 5:33-42. [PMID: 27617140 DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1572515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The complement-mediated renal diseases are a group of ultra-rare renal diseases that disproportionately affect children and young adults and frequently lead to irreversible renal failure. Genetic mutations in alternate pathway of complement genes are pathomechanistically involved in a significant number of these unique diseases. Here, we review our current understanding of the role of genetics in the primary complement-mediated renal diseases affecting children, with a focus on atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy. Also, included is a brief discussion of the related diseases whose relationship to complement abnormality has been suspected but not yet confirmed. Advances in genetics have transformed both treatment and outcomes in these historically difficult to treat, highly morbid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Muff-Luett
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| | - Carla M Nester
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States; Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratory, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
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35
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Challis RC, Araujo GSR, Wong EKS, Anderson HE, Awan A, Dorman AM, Waldron M, Wilson V, Brocklebank V, Strain L, Morgan BP, Harris CL, Marchbank KJ, Goodship THJ, Kavanagh D. A De Novo Deletion in the Regulators of Complement Activation Cluster Producing a Hybrid Complement Factor H/Complement Factor H-Related 3 Gene in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 27:1617-24. [PMID: 26490391 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015010100] [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: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulators of complement activation cluster at chromosome 1q32 contains the complement factor H (CFH) and five complement factor H-related (CFHR) genes. This area of the genome arose from several large genomic duplications, and these low-copy repeats can cause genome instability in this region. Genomic disorders affecting these genes have been described in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, arising commonly through nonallelic homologous recombination. We describe a novel CFH/CFHR3 hybrid gene secondary to a de novo 6.3-kb deletion that arose through microhomology-mediated end joining rather than nonallelic homologous recombination. We confirmed a transcript from this hybrid gene and showed a secreted protein product that lacks the recognition domain of factor H and exhibits impaired cell surface complement regulation. The fact that the formation of this hybrid gene arose as a de novo event suggests that this cluster is a dynamic area of the genome in which additional genomic disorders may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Atif Awan
- Department of Nephrology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin
| | - Anthony M Dorman
- Department of Renal Pathology, Beaumont Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | - Mary Waldron
- Department of Nephrology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin
| | | | | | | | - B Paul Morgan
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Claire L Harris
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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36
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Bajic G, Degn SE, Thiel S, Andersen GR. Complement activation, regulation, and molecular basis for complement-related diseases. EMBO J 2015; 34:2735-57. [PMID: 26489954 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201591881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is an essential element of the innate immune response that becomes activated upon recognition of molecular patterns associated with microorganisms, abnormal host cells, and modified molecules in the extracellular environment. The resulting proteolytic cascade tags the complement activator for elimination and elicits a pro-inflammatory response leading to recruitment and activation of immune cells from both the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system. Through these activities, complement functions in the first line of defense against pathogens but also contributes significantly to the maintenance of homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. Activation of complement and the subsequent biological responses occur primarily in the extracellular environment. However, recent studies have demonstrated autocrine signaling by complement activation in intracellular vesicles, while the presence of a cytoplasmic receptor serves to detect complement-opsonized intracellular pathogens. Furthermore, breakthroughs in both functional and structural studies now make it possible to describe many of the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying complement activation and the subsequent downstream events, as well as its cross talk with, for example, signaling pathways, the coagulation system, and adaptive immunity. We present an integrated and updated view of complement based on structural and functional data and describe the new roles attributed to complement. Finally, we discuss how the structural and mechanistic understanding of the complement system rationalizes the genetic defects conferring uncontrolled activation or other undesirable effects of complement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Bajic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren E Degn
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gregers R Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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37
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Chen Q, Manzke M, Hartmann A, Büttner M, Amann K, Pauly D, Wiesener M, Skerka C, Zipfel PF. Complement Factor H-Related 5-Hybrid Proteins Anchor Properdin and Activate Complement at Self-Surfaces. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 27:1413-25. [PMID: 26432903 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a severe kidney disease for which no specific therapy exists. The causes of C3G are heterogeneous, and defective complement regulation is often linked to C3G pathogenesis. Copy number variations in the complement factor H-related (CFHR) gene cluster on chromosome 1q32 and CFHR5 mutant proteins associate with this disease. Here, we identified CFHR5 as a pattern recognition protein that binds to damaged human endothelial cell surfaces and to properdin, the human complement activator. We found the two N-terminal short consensus repeat domains of CFHR5 contact properdin and mediate dimer formation. These properdin-binding segments are duplicated in two mutant CFHR5 proteins, CFHR2-CFHR5Hyb from German patients with C3G and CFHR5Dup from Cypriot patients with C3G. Each of these mutated proteins assembled into large multimeric complexes and, compared to CFHR5, bound damaged human cell surfaces and properdin with greater intensity and exacerbated local complement activation. This enhanced surface binding and properdin recruitment was further evidenced in the mesangia of a transplanted and explanted kidney from a German patient with a CFHR2-CFHR5Hyb protein. Enhanced properdin staining correlated with local complement activation with C3b and C5b-9 deposition on the mesangial cell surface in vitro This gain of function in complement activation for two disease-associated CFHR5 mutants describes a new disease mechanism of C3G, which is relevant for defining appropriate treatment options for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Melanie Manzke
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Andrea Hartmann
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Maike Büttner
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Amann
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Diana Pauly
- University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; and
| | - Michael Wiesener
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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38
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Józsi M, Tortajada A, Uzonyi B, Goicoechea de Jorge E, Rodríguez de Córdoba S. Factor H-related proteins determine complement-activating surfaces. Trends Immunol 2015; 36:374-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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39
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Zipfel PF, Skerka C, Chen Q, Wiech T, Goodship T, Johnson S, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Nester C, de Córdoba SR, Noris M, Pickering M, Smith R. The role of complement in C3 glomerulopathy. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:21-30. [PMID: 25929733 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy describes a spectrum of disorders with glomerular pathology associated with C3 cleavage product deposition and with defective complement action and regulation (Fakhouri et al., 2010; Sethi et al., 2012b). Kidney biopsies from these patients show glomerular accumulation or deposition of C3 cleavage fragments, but no or minor deposition of immunoglobulins (Appel et al., 2005; D'Agati and Bomback, 2012; Servais et al., 2007; Sethi and Fervenza, 2011). At present the current situation asks for a better definition of the underlining disease mechanisms, for precise biomarkers, and for a treatment for this disease. The complement system is a self activating and propelling enzymatic cascade type system in which inactive, soluble plasma components are activated spontaneously and lead into an amplification loop (Zipfel and Skerka, 2009). Activation of the alternative pathway is spontaneous, occurs by default, and cascade progression leads to amplification by complement activators. The system however is self-controlled by multiple regulators and inhibitors, like Factor H that control cascade progression in fluid phase and on surfaces. The activated complement system generates a series of potent effector components and activation products, which damage foreign-, as well as modified self cells, recruit innate immune cells to the site of action, coordinate inflammation and the response of the adaptive immune system in form of B cells and T lymphocytes (Kohl, 2006; Medzhitov and Janeway, 2002; Ogden and Elkon, 2006; Carroll, 2004; Kemper and Atkinson, 2007; Morgan, 1999; Muller-Eberhard, 1986; Ricklin et al., 2010). Complement controls homeostasis and multiple reactions in the vertebrate organism including defense against microbial infections (Diaz-Guillen et al., 1999; Mastellos and Lambris, 2002; Nordahl et al., 2004; Ricklin et al., 2010). In consequence defective control of the spontaneous self amplifying cascade or regulation is associated with numerous human disorders (Ricklin and Lambris, 2007; Skerka and Zipfel, 2008; Zipfel et al., 2006). Understanding the exact action and regulation of this sophisticated homeotic cascade system is relevant to understand disease pathology of various complement associated human disorders. Furthermore this knowledge is relevant for a better diagnosis and appropriate therapy. At present diagnosis of C3 glomerulopathy is primarily based on the kidney biopsy, and histological, immmunohistological and electron microscopical evaluation (D'Agati and Bomback, 2012; Fakhouri et al., 2010; Medjeral-Thomas et al., 2014a,b; Sethi et al., 2012b). The challenge is to define the actual cause of the diverse glomerular changes or damages, to define how C3 deposition results in the reported glomerular changes, the location of the cell damage and the formation of deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany.
| | - Christine Skerka
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Qian Chen
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Goodship
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sally Johnson
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Veronique Fremeaux-Bacchi
- Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Hospital European Georges-Pompidou and INSERM UMRS 1138, "Complement and Diseases" Team, Cordelier Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Clara Nester
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Otolaryngology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Santiago Rodríguez de Córdoba
- Departamento de Medicina Celular y Molecular, and Ciber de Enfermedades Raras, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Noris
- Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Richard Smith
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Otolaryngology, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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40
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Csincsi ÁI, Kopp A, Zöldi M, Bánlaki Z, Uzonyi B, Hebecker M, Caesar JJE, Pickering MC, Daigo K, Hamakubo T, Lea SM, Goicoechea de Jorge E, Józsi M. Factor H-related protein 5 interacts with pentraxin 3 and the extracellular matrix and modulates complement activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:4963-73. [PMID: 25855355 PMCID: PMC4416742 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1403121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The physiological roles of the factor H (FH)-related proteins are controversial and poorly understood. Based on genetic studies, FH-related protein 5 (CFHR5) is implicated in glomerular diseases, such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, dense deposit disease, and CFHR5 nephropathy. CFHR5 was also identified in glomerular immune deposits at the protein level. For CFHR5, weak complement regulatory activity and competition for C3b binding with the plasma complement inhibitor FH have been reported, but its function remains elusive. In this study, we identify pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as a novel ligand of CFHR5. Binding of native CFHR5 to PTX3 was detected in human plasma and the interaction was characterized using recombinant proteins. The binding of PTX3 to CFHR5 is of ∼2-fold higher affinity compared with that of FH. CFHR5 dose-dependently inhibited FH binding to PTX3 and also to the monomeric, denatured form of the short pentraxin C-reactive protein. Binding of PTX3 to CFHR5 resulted in increased C1q binding. Additionally, CFHR5 bound to extracellular matrix in vitro in a dose-dependent manner and competed with FH for binding. Altogether, CFHR5 reduced FH binding and its cofactor activity on pentraxins and the extracellular matrix, while at the same time allowed for enhanced C1q binding. Furthermore, CFHR5 allowed formation of the alternative pathway C3 convertase and supported complement activation. Thus, CFHR5 may locally enhance complement activation via interference with the complement-inhibiting function of FH, by enhancement of C1q binding, and by activating complement, thereby contributing to glomerular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám I Csincsi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Eötvös Loránd University "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anne Kopp
- Junior Research Group for Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Miklós Zöldi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Eötvös Loránd University "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Bánlaki
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Eötvös Loránd University "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Eötvös Loránd University Immunology Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mario Hebecker
- Junior Research Group for Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Joseph J E Caesar
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RF, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and
| | - Kenji Daigo
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Takao Hamakubo
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Susan M Lea
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RF, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Goicoechea de Jorge
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; and
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Eötvös Loránd University "Lendület" Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; Junior Research Group for Cellular Immunobiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany;
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41
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Maillard N, Wyatt RJ, Julian BA, Kiryluk K, Gharavi A, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Novak J. Current Understanding of the Role of Complement in IgA Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 26:1503-12. [PMID: 25694468 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014101000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement activation has a role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease mediated by pathogenic immune complexes consisting of galactose-deficient IgA1 bound by antiglycan antibodies. Of three complement-activation pathways, the alternative and lectin pathways are involved in IgA nephropathy. IgA1 can activate both pathways in vitro, and pathway components are present in the mesangial immunodeposits, including properdin and factor H in the alternative pathway and mannan-binding lectin, mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases 1 and 2, and C4d in the lectin pathway. Genome-wide association studies identified deletion of complement factor H-related genes 1 and 3 as protective against the disease. Because the corresponding gene products compete with factor H in the regulation of the alternative pathway, it has been hypothesized that the absence of these genes could lead to more potent inhibition of complement by factor H. Complement activation can take place directly on IgA1-containing immune complexes in circulation and/or after their deposition in the mesangium. Notably, complement factors and their fragments may serve as biomarkers of IgA nephropathy in serum, urine, or renal tissue. A better understanding of the role of complement in IgA nephropathy may provide potential targets and rationale for development of complement-targeting therapy of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Maillard
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; Université Jean Monnet, Groupe sur l'immunité des Muqueuses et Agents Pathogènes, St. Etienne, Pôle de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Robert J Wyatt
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Children's Foundation Research at the Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Bruce A Julian
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Krzysztof Kiryluk
- Columbia University, Department of Medicine, New York, New York; and
| | - Ali Gharavi
- Columbia University, Department of Medicine, New York, New York; and
| | - Veronique Fremeaux-Bacchi
- Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé 1138, Team "Complement and Diseases," Cordeliers Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Jan Novak
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Departments of Microbiology and Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama;
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Sequence variations and protein expression levels of the two immune evasion proteins Gpm1 and Pra1 influence virulence of clinical Candida albicans isolates. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0113192. [PMID: 25692293 PMCID: PMC4334649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, the important human fungal pathogen uses multiple evasion strategies to control, modulate and inhibit host complement and innate immune attack. Clinical C. albicans strains vary in pathogenicity and in serum resistance, in this work we analyzed sequence polymorphisms and variations in the expression levels of two central fungal complement evasion proteins, Gpm1 (phosphoglycerate mutase 1) and Pra1 (pH-regulated antigen 1) in thirteen clinical C. albicans isolates. Four nucleotide (nt) exchanges, all representing synonymous exchanges, were identified within the 747-nt long GPM1 gene. For the 900-nt long PRA1 gene, sixteen nucleotide exchanges were identified, which represented synonymous, as well as non-synonymous exchanges. All thirteen clinical isolates had a homozygous exchange (A to G) at position 73 of the PRA1 gene. Surface levels of Gpm1 varied by 8.2, and Pra1 levels by 3.3 fold in thirteen tested isolates and these differences influenced fungal immune fitness. The high Gpm1/Pra1 expressing candida strains bound the three human immune regulators more efficiently, than the low expression strains. The difference was 44% for Factor H binding, 51% for C4BP binding and 23% for plasminogen binding. This higher Gpm1/Pra1 expressing strains result in enhanced survival upon challenge with complement active, Factor H depleted human serum (difference 40%). In addition adhesion to and infection of human endothelial cells was increased (difference 60%), and C3b surface deposition was less effective (difference 27%). Thus, variable expression levels of central immune evasion protein influences immune fitness of the human fungal pathogen C. albicans and thus contribute to fungal virulence.
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Loeven MA, Rops ALWMM, Berden JHM, Daha MR, Rabelink TJ, van der Vlag J. The role of heparan sulfate as determining pathogenic factor in complement factor H-associated diseases. Mol Immunol 2015; 63:203-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Mehta G, Ferreira VP, Skerka C, Zipfel PF, Banda NK. New insights into disease-specific absence of complement factor H related protein C in mouse models of spontaneous autoimmune diseases. Mol Immunol 2014; 62:235-48. [PMID: 25033230 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Complement factor H (CFH) protein is an inhibitor of the alternative pathway of complement (AP) both in the fluid phase and on the surface of host cells. Mouse and human complement factor H-related (CFHR) proteins also belong to the fH family of plasma glycoproteins. The main goal of the current study was to compare the presence of mRNA for two mCFHR proteins in spontaneously developing autoimmune diseases in mice such as dense deposit disease (DDD), diabetes mellitus (DM), basal laminar deposits (BLD), collagen antibody-induced arthrits (CAIA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we report for the first time that the CFHR-C mRNA was universally absent in the liver from three strains of lupus-prone mice and in a diabetic-prone mouse strain. The mRNA levels (pg/ng) for CFH and CFHR-B in MRL-lpr/lpr, at 9 wks and 23 wks were 707.2±44.4, 54.5±5.75 and 729±252.9, 74.04±22.76, respectively. The mRNA levels for CFH and CFHR-B in NZB/NZW mice, at 9 wks and 54 wks were 579.9±23.8, 58.8±1.41 and 890.3±135.2, 63.30±9.2, respectively. CFHR-C protein was absent in the circulation of MRL-lpr/lpr and NZB/NZW mice before and after the development of lupus. Similarly, mRNA and protein for CFHR-C was universally absent in liver and other organs and in the circulation of NOD mice before and after the development of DM. In contrast, the mRNAs for CFH, CFHR-B and CFHR-C were universally present in the liver from mice with and without DDD, BLD and CAIA. The levels of mRNA for CFHR-B in mice with and without BLD were ∼4 times higher than the mice with lupus. The complete absence of mRNA for CFHR-C in lupus and diabetic-prone strains indicates that polymorphic variation within the mouse CFHR family exists and raises the possibility that such variation contributes to lupus and diabetic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Mehta
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | | | - Peter F Zipfel
- Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Nirmal K Banda
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.
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Abstract
Factor H-related proteins (CFHRs) are plasma glycoproteins related in structure and antigenicity to each other and to the complement inhibitory protein factor H. Such proteins are found in most mammals but their number and domain composition vary. This chapter summarizes our current knowledge on the human factor H-related proteins. In contrast to factor H, they have no strong complement inhibitory activity, although for some of them regulatory or complement modulatory activity has been reported. A common feature of CFHRs is that they bind to the C3b component of complement. Novel links between CFHRs and various diseases (C3 glomerulopathies, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and age-related macular degeneration) have been revealed in recent years, but we are still far from understanding their biological function.
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Chen Q, Wiesener M, Eberhardt HU, Hartmann A, Uzonyi B, Kirschfink M, Amann K, Buettner M, Goodship T, Hugo C, Skerka C, Zipfel PF. Complement factor H-related hybrid protein deregulates complement in dense deposit disease. J Clin Invest 2013; 124:145-55. [PMID: 24334459 DOI: 10.1172/jci71866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The renal disorder C3 glomerulopathy with dense deposit disease (C3G-DDD) pattern results from complement dysfunction and primarily affects children and young adults. There is no effective treatment, and patients often progress to end-stage renal failure. A small fraction of C3G-DDD cases linked to factor H or C3 gene mutations as well as autoantibodies have been reported. Here, we examined an index family with 2 patients with C3G-DDD and identified a chromosomal deletion in the complement factor H-related (CFHR) gene cluster. This deletion resulted in expression of a hybrid CFHR2-CFHR5 plasma protein. The recombinant hybrid protein stabilized the C3 convertase and reduced factor H-mediated convertase decay. One patient was refractory to plasma replacement and exchange therapy, as evidenced by the hybrid protein quickly returning to pretreatment plasma levels. Subsequently, complement inhibitors were tested on serum from the patient for their ability to block activity of CFHR2-CFHR5. Soluble CR1 restored defective C3 convertase regulation; however, neither eculizumab nor tagged compstatin had any effect. Our findings provide insight into the importance of CFHR proteins for C3 convertase regulation and identify a genetic variation in the CFHR gene cluster that promotes C3G-DDD. Monitoring copy number and sequence variations in the CFHR gene cluster in C3G-DDD and kidney patients with C3G-DDD variations will help guide treatment strategies.
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Eyler SJ, Meyer NC, Zhang Y, Xiao X, Nester CM, Smith RJ. A novel hybrid CFHR1/CFH gene causes atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2013; 28:2221-5. [PMID: 23880784 PMCID: PMC4433496 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2560-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in complement factor H (CFH) are associated with complement dysregulation and the development of an aggressive form of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) that progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and in most patients has a high rate of recurrence following transplantation. Sequence analysis of CFH and its downstream complement factor H-related genes (CFHR1-5) reveals several macrohomologous blocks caused by large genomic duplications. This high degree of sequence identity renders this area susceptible to nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) events, resulting in large-scale deletions, duplications, and the generation of hybrid CFH genes. CASE-DIAGNOSIS Here, we report the finding of a novel CFHR1/CFH hybrid gene created by a de novo NAHR event in a 14-year-old girl with aHUS. The resulting fusion protein contains the first three short consensus repeats (SCRs) of CFHR1 and the terminal two SCRs of CFH. CONCLUSIONS This finding demonstrates a novel pathogenic mechanism for the development of aHUS. Additionally, since standard Sanger sequencing is unable to detect such rearrangements, all aHUS patients should receive comprehensive genetic screening that includes analysis of copy number variation in order to identify patients with poor clinical prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Eyler
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nicole C. Meyer
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Yuzhou Zhang
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Xue Xiao
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Interdepartmental PhD Program in Genetics, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Carla M. Nester
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Richard J.H. Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Interdepartmental PhD Program in Genetics, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Divisions of Nephrology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Correspondence to: Richard J.H. Smith, MD Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Department of Otolaryngology University of Iowa, 5270 CBRB Building Iowa City, IA 52242, USA Tel: +319 335 6501, Fax: +613 353 5869
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Tortajada A, Yébenes H, Abarrategui-Garrido C, Anter J, García-Fernández JM, Martínez-Barricarte R, Alba-Domínguez M, Malik TH, Bedoya R, Cabrera Pérez R, López Trascasa M, Pickering MC, Harris CL, Sánchez-Corral P, Llorca O, Rodríguez de Córdoba S. C3 glomerulopathy-associated CFHR1 mutation alters FHR oligomerization and complement regulation. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:2434-46. [PMID: 23728178 DOI: 10.1172/jci68280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathies (C3G) are a group of severe renal diseases with distinct patterns of glomerular inflammation and C3 deposition caused by complement dysregulation. Here we report the identification of a familial C3G-associated genomic mutation in the gene complement factor H–related 1 (CFHR1), which encodes FHR1. The mutation resulted in the duplication of the N-terminal short consensus repeats (SCRs) that are conserved in FHR2 and FHR5. We determined that native FHR1, FHR2, and FHR5 circulate in plasma as homo- and hetero-oligomeric complexes, the formation of which is likely mediated by the conserved N-terminal domain. In mutant FHR1, duplication of the N-terminal domain resulted in the formation of unusually large multimeric FHR complexes that exhibited increased avidity for the FHR1 ligands C3b, iC3b, and C3dg and enhanced competition with complement factor H (FH) in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies and hemolytic assays. These data revealed that FHR1, FHR2, and FHR5 organize a combinatorial repertoire of oligomeric complexes and demonstrated that changes in FHR oligomerization influence the regulation of complement activation. In summary, our identification and characterization of a unique CFHR1 mutation provides insights into the biology of the FHRs and contributes to our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying C3G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Tortajada
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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Skerka C, Chen Q, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Roumenina LT. Complement factor H related proteins (CFHRs). Mol Immunol 2013; 56:170-80. [PMID: 23830046 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Factor H related proteins comprise a group of five plasma proteins: CFHR1, CFHR2, CFHR3, CFHR4 and CFHR5, and each member of this group binds to the central complement component C3b. Mutations, genetic deletions, duplications or rearrangements in the individual CFHR genes are associated with a number of diseases including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerulopathies (C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), dense deposit disease (DDD) and CFHR5 nephropathy), IgA nephropathy, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although complement regulatory functions were attributed to most of the members of the CFHR protein family, the precise role of each CFHR protein in complement activation and the exact contribution to disease pathology is still unclear. Recent publications show that CFHR proteins form homo- as well as heterodimers. Genetic abnormalities within the CFHR gene locus can result in hybrid proteins with affected dimerization or recognition domains which cause defective functions. Here we summarize the recent data about CFHR genes and proteins in order to better understand the role of CFHR proteins in complement activation and in complement associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany.
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Kouser L, Abdul-Aziz M, Nayak A, Stover CM, Sim RB, Kishore U. Properdin and factor h: opposing players on the alternative complement pathway "see-saw". Front Immunol 2013; 4:93. [PMID: 23630525 PMCID: PMC3632793 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Properdin and factor H are two key regulatory proteins having opposite functions in the alternative complement pathway. Properdin up-regulates the alternative pathway by stabilizing the C3bBb complex, whereas factor H downregulates the pathway by promoting proteolytic degradation of C3b. While factor H is mainly produced in the liver, there are several extrahepatic sources. In addition to the liver, factor H is also synthesized in fetal tubuli, keratinocytes, skin fibroblasts, ocular tissue, adipose tissue, brain, lungs, heart, spleen, pancreas, kidney, muscle, and placenta. Neutrophils are the major source of properdin, and it is also produced by monocytes, T cells and bone marrow progenitor cell line. Properdin is released by neutrophils from intracellular stores following stimulation by N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The HEP G2 cells derived from human liver has been found to produce functional properdin. Endothelial cells also produce properdin when induced by shear stress, thus is a physiological source for plasma properdin. The diverse range of extrahepatic sites for synthesis of these two complement regulators suggests the importance and need for local availability of the proteins. Here, we discuss the significance of the local synthesis of properdin and factor H. This assumes greater importance in view of recently identified unexpected and novel roles of properdin and factor H that are potentially independent of their involvement in complement regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Kouser
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Disease Mechanisms, Biosciences, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University London, UK
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