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Meuleman MS, Petitprez F, Pickering MC, Le Quintrec M, Artero MR, Duval A, Rabant M, Gilmore A, Boyer O, Hogan J, Servais A, Provot F, Gnemmi V, Eloudzeri M, Grunenwald A, Buob D, Boffa JJ, Moktefi A, Audard V, Goujon JM, Bridoux F, Thervet E, Karras A, Roumenina LT, Frémeaux Bacchi V, Duong Van Huyen JP, Chauvet S. Complement Terminal Pathway Activation and Intrarenal Immune Response in C3 Glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 35:1034-1044. [PMID: 38709564 PMCID: PMC11377803 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Points
We evidenced terminal pathway activation (C5b-9 deposits) in most of the glomeruli on kidney biopsy of C3 glomerulopathy.The amount of C5b-9 deposits correlated with disease prognosis in C3 glomerulopathy.Increased terminal pathway activation was found predominantly in a subgroup exhibiting an immuno-fibroblastic signature.
Background
C3 glomerulopathy is a rare disease resulting from an overactivation of the complement alternative pathway. Although there is also evidence of terminal pathway activation, its occurrence and consequences on the disease have been poorly studied.
Methods
We retrospectively studied a cohort of 42 patients diagnosed with C3 glomerulopathy. We performed centralized extensive characterization of histological parameters. Kidney C5b-9 staining was performed as a marker of terminal pathway activation; intrarenal immune response was characterized through transcriptomic analysis.
Results
Eighty-eight percent of biopsies showed C5b-9 deposits in glomeruli. Biopsies were grouped according to the amount of C5b-9 deposits (no or low n=15/42, 36%; intermediate n=15/42, 36%; and high n=12/42, 28%). Patients with high C5b-9 deposits significantly differed from the two other groups of patients and were characterized by a significant higher histological chronicity score (P = 0.005) and lower outcome-free survival (P = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, higher glomerular C5b-9 remained associated with poor kidney prognosis after adjustment. One third of the 847 studied immune genes were upregulated in C3 glomerulopathy biopsies compared with controls. Unsupervised clustering on differentially expressed genes identified a group of kidney biopsies enriched in high glomerular C5b-9 with high immune and fibroblastic signature and showed high chronicity scores on histological examination.
Conclusions
In a cohort of patients with C3 glomerulopathy, intrarenal terminal pathway activation was associated with specific histological phenotype and disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Sophie Meuleman
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Florent Petitprez
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moglie Le Quintrec
- Department of Nephrology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Mikel Rezola Artero
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anna Duval
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Nephrology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marion Rabant
- Department of Anathomopathology, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Département Croissance et Signalisation, INSERM U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Alyssa Gilmore
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Boyer
- Pediatric Nephrology, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, MARHEA reference center, APHP, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Julien Hogan
- Department of pediatric Nephrology, Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Aude Servais
- Department of Nephrology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - François Provot
- Department of Nephrology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Vivianne Gnemmi
- Department of Pathology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Maeva Eloudzeri
- Département Croissance et Signalisation, INSERM U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Anne Grunenwald
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Nephrology, Poissy Intercommunal Hospital, Poissy, France
| | - David Buob
- Department of Pathology, Tenon Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Anissa Moktefi
- Department of Pathology, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP, Créteil, France
| | - Vincent Audard
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Department, Henri Mondor Hospital University, Centre de Référence Maladie Rare Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire Innovative therapy for immune disorders, Créteil, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U955, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | | | - Frank Bridoux
- Department of Nephrology, Poitiers University Hospital, Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Thervet
- Department of Nephrology, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Karras
- Department of Nephrology, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Lubka T Roumenina
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Frémeaux Bacchi
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Immunology, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Duong Van Huyen
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Anathomopathology, Necker Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Chauvet
- Inflammation, Complement and Cancer Team, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Nephrology, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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2
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Bartoli G, Dello Strologo A, Grandaliano G, Pesce F. Updates on C3 Glomerulopathy in Kidney Transplantation: Pathogenesis and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6508. [PMID: 38928213 PMCID: PMC11204074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy is a rare disease, characterized by an abnormal activation of the complement's alternative pathway that leads to the accumulation of the C3 component in the kidney. The disease recurs in more than half of kidney transplant recipients, with a significant impact on graft survival. Recurrence of the primary disease represents the second cause of graft loss after organ rejection. In C3 glomerulopathy, there are several risk factors which can promote a recurrence during transplantation, such as delayed graft function, infection and monoclonal gammopathy. All these events can trigger the alternative complement pathway. In this review, we summarize the impact of C3 glomerulopathy on kidney grafts and present the latest treatment options. The most widely used treatments for the disease include corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, which are already used chronically by kidney transplant recipients; thus, additional treatments for C3 glomerulopathy are required. Currently, several studies using anti-complement drugs (i.e., eculizumab, Ravalizumab, avacopan) for C3 glomerulopathy in kidney transplant patients are ongoing with encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bartoli
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Andrea Dello Strologo
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Grandaliano
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pesce
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica dl Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.S.); (G.G.)
- Division of Renal Medicine, “Ospedale Isola Tiberina—Gemelli Isola”, 00186 Rome, Italy
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3
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Wooden B, Nester CM, Bomback AS. Update on C3 Glomerulopathy. ADVANCES IN KIDNEY DISEASE AND HEALTH 2024; 31:223-233. [PMID: 39004462 DOI: 10.1053/j.akdh.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare disorder marked by deposition of C3 in the glomerulus, resulting in damage to the glomerular filtration unit and presenting with features of the nephritic and nephrotic syndromes. Fundamentally, C3G is caused by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of the complement cascade, either due to genetic variants or acquired humoral factors. Despite significant advances in recent years in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and culprit lesions that result in the development of C3G, treatment options remain severely limited, and the prognosis is often poor. Fortunately, a number of anticomplement therapies are emerging from the drug development pipeline, with several in late-stage testing in patients with C3G, and there is hope that we will soon have more targeted options for managing patients with this devastating disease. In this review, we provide an overview of C3G, as well as summarizing the evidence for current treatments and detailing the clinical trials that are currently underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wooden
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | - Carla M Nester
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Andrew S Bomback
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Koehler S, Hengel FE, Dumoulin B, Damashek L, Holzman LB, Susztak K, Huber TB. The 14th International Podocyte Conference 2023: from podocyte biology to glomerular medicine. Kidney Int 2024; 105:935-952. [PMID: 38447880 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The 14th International Podocyte Conference took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA from May 23 to 26, 2023. It commenced with an early-career researchers' meeting on May 23, providing young scientists with a platform to present and discuss their research findings. Throughout the main conference, 29 speakers across 9 sessions shared their insights on podocyte biology, glomerular medicine, novel technologic advancements, and translational approaches. Additionally, the event featured 3 keynote lectures addressing engineered chimeric antigen receptor T cell- and mRNA-based therapies and the use of biobanks for enhanced disease comprehension. Furthermore, 4 brief oral abstract sessions allowed scientists to present their findings to a broad audience. The program also included a panel discussion addressing the challenges of conducting human research within the American Black community. Remarkably, after a 5-year hiatus from in-person conferences, the 14th International Podocyte Conference successfully convened scientists from around the globe, fostering the presentation and discussion of crucial research findings, as summarized in this review. Furthermore, to ensure continuous and sustainable education, research, translation, and trial medicine related to podocyte and glomerular diseases for the benefit of patients, the International Society of Glomerular Disease was officially launched during the conference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille Koehler
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felicitas E Hengel
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Dumoulin
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laurel Damashek
- International Society of Glomerular Disease, Florence, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lawrence B Holzman
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katalin Susztak
- Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Institute of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine and Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; International Society of Glomerular Disease, Florence, Massachusetts, USA.
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5
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Watanabe-Kusunoki K, Anders HJ. Balancing efficacy and safety of complement inhibitors. J Autoimmun 2024; 145:103216. [PMID: 38552408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Complement inhibitors have been approved for several immune-mediated diseases and they are considered the next paradigm-shifting approach in the treatment of glomerulonephritis. The hierarchical organization of the complement system offers numerous molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. However, complement is an integral element of host defense and therefore complement inhibition can be associated with serious infectious complications. Here we give a closer look to the hierarchical complement system and how interfering with proximal versus distal or selective versus unselective molecular targets could determine efficacy and safety. Furthermore, we propose to consider the type of disease, immunological activity, and patient immunocompetence when stratifying patients, e.g., proximal/unselective targets for highly active and potentially fatal diseases while distal and selective targets may suit more chronic disease conditions with low or moderate disease activity requiring persistent complement blockade in patients with concomitant immunodeficiency. Certainly, there exists substantial promise for anti-complement therapeutics. However, balancing efficacy and safety will be key to establish powerful treatment effects with minimal adverse events, especially when complement blockade is continued over longer periods of time in chronic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Watanabe-Kusunoki
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians (LMU) University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany; Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine IV, Ludwig-Maximilians (LMU) University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.
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Zotta F, Diomedi-Camassei F, Gargiulo A, Cappoli A, Emma F, Vivarelli M. Successful treatment with avacopan (CCX168) in a pediatric patient with C3 glomerulonephritis. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:4197-4201. [PMID: 37306717 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06035-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) is a subtype of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), characterized by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement and by dominant C3 by immunofluorescence on the kidney biopsy. There is no approved treatment for patients with C3G. Immunosuppressive drugs as well as biologics have been used with limited success. In recent decades, substantial advances in the understanding of the complement system have led to the development of new complement inhibitors. Avacopan (CCX168) is an orally administered small-molecule C5aR antagonist that blocks the effects of C5a, one of the most potent pro-inflammatory mediators of the complement system. CASE REPORT We describe a child with biopsy-proven C3GN treated with avacopan. She was enrolled in the ACCOLADE double-blind placebo-controlled Phase 2 study (NCT03301467), where during the first 26 weeks she was randomized to receive an avacopan-matching placebo orally twice daily, while in the following 26 weeks, the study was open-label and she received avacopan. After a wash-out period, she was restarted on avacopan through an expanded access program. CONCLUSIONS In this case, use of avacopan in a pediatric patient with C3GN was safe and well tolerated. On avacopan, the patient was able to discontinue mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) while maintaining remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zotta
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Antonio Gargiulo
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappoli
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Emma
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Vivarelli
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Pediatric Subspecialties, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital IRCCS, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
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Mannes M, Pechtl V, Hafner S, Dopler A, Eriksson O, Manivel VA, Wohlgemuth L, Messerer DAC, Schrezenmeier H, Ekdahl KN, Nilsson B, Jacobsen EM, Hoenig M, Huber-Lang M, Braun CK, Schmidt CQ. Complement and platelets: prothrombotic cell activation requires membrane attack complex-induced release of danger signals. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6367-6380. [PMID: 37428869 PMCID: PMC10625899 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement activation in the diseases paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) results in cytolysis and fatal thrombotic events, which are largely refractory to anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy. Anticomplement therapy, however, efficiently prevents thrombotic events in PNH and aHUS, but the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. We show that complement-mediated hemolysis in whole blood induces platelet activation similarly to activation by adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP). Blockage of C3 or C5 abolished platelet activation. We found that human platelets failed to respond functionally to the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a. Instead, complement activation did lead to prothrombotic cell activation in the whole blood when membrane attack complex (MAC)-mediated cytolysis occurred. Consequently, we demonstrate that ADP receptor antagonists efficiently inhibited platelet activation, although full complement activation, which causes hemolysis, occurred. By using an established model of mismatched erythrocyte transfusions in rats, we crossvalidated these findings in vivo using the complement inhibitor OmCI and cobra venom factor. Consumptive complement activation in this animal model only led to a thrombotic phenotype when MAC-mediated cytolysis occurred. In conclusion, complement activation only induces substantial prothrombotic cell activation if terminal pathway activation culminates in MAC-mediated release of intracellular ADP. These results explain why anticomplement therapy efficiently prevents thromboembolisms without interfering negatively with hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mannes
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Veronika Pechtl
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Hafner
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Arthur Dopler
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oskar Eriksson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vivek Anand Manivel
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wohlgemuth
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm and Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, University Hospital of Ulm and German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg–Hessen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kristina N. Ekdahl
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva-Maria Jacobsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Hoenig
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian K. Braun
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacy, Biochemical Pharmacy Group, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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8
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Welte T, Arnold F, Westermann L, Rottmann FA, Hug MJ, Neumann-Haefelin E, Ganner A. Eculizumab as a treatment for C3 glomerulopathy: a single-center retrospective study. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:8. [PMID: 36631797 PMCID: PMC9832765 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03058-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare glomerular disease caused by dysregulation of the complement pathway. Based on its pathophysiology, treatment with the monoclonal antibody eculizumab targeting complement C5 may be a therapeutic option. Due to the rarity of the disease, observational data on the clinical response to eculizumab treatment is scarce. METHODS Fourteen patients (8 female, 57%) treated for C3 glomerulopathy at the medical center of the University of Freiburg between 2013 and 2022 were included. Subjects underwent biopsy before enrollment. Histopathology, clinical data, and response to eculizumab treatment were analyzed. Key parameters to determine the primary outcome were changes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time. Positive outcome was defined as > 30% increase, stable outcome as ±30%, negative outcome as decrease > 30% of eGFR. RESULTS Eleven patients (78.8%) were treated with eculizumab, three received standard of care (SoC, 27.2%). Median follow-up time was 68 months (IQR: 45-98 months). Median eculizumab treatment duration was 10 months (IQR 5-46 months). After eculizumab treatment, five patients showed a stable outcome, six patients showed a negative outcome. Among patients receiving SoC, one patient showed a stable outcome, two patients showed a negative outcome. CONCLUSIONS The benefit of eculizumab in chronic progressive C3 glomerulopathy is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Welte
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Frederic Arnold
- grid.5963.9Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Westermann
- grid.5963.9Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Felix A. Rottmann
- grid.5963.9Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin J. Hug
- grid.5963.9Pharmacy, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elke Neumann-Haefelin
- grid.5963.9Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Athina Ganner
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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9
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Schmidt CQ, Smith RJH. Protein therapeutics and their lessons: Expect the unexpected when inhibiting the multi-protein cascade of the complement system. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:376-401. [PMID: 36398537 PMCID: PMC9852015 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Over a century after the discovery of the complement system, the first complement therapeutic was approved for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). It was a long-acting monoclonal antibody (aka 5G1-1, 5G1.1, h5G1.1, and now known as eculizumab) that targets C5, specifically preventing the generation of C5a, a potent anaphylatoxin, and C5b, the first step in the eventual formation of membrane attack complex. The enormous clinical and financial success of eculizumab across four diseases (PNH, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), myasthenia gravis (MG), and anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD)) has fueled a surge in complement therapeutics, especially targeting diseases with an underlying complement pathophysiology for which anti-C5 therapy is ineffective. Intensive research has also uncovered challenges that arise from C5 blockade. For example, PNH patients can still face extravascular hemolysis or pharmacodynamic breakthrough of complement suppression during complement-amplifying conditions. These "side" effects of a stoichiometric inhibitor like eculizumab were unexpected and are incompatible with some of our accepted knowledge of the complement cascade. And they are not unique to C5 inhibition. Indeed, "exceptions" to the rules of complement biology abound and have led to unprecedented and surprising insights. In this review, we will describe initial, present and future aspects of protein inhibitors of the complement cascade, highlighting unexpected findings that are redefining some of the mechanistic foundations upon which the complement cascade is organized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Richard J. H. Smith
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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10
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Peters K. Physiology and pathology of the C3 amplification cycle: A retrospective. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:217-224. [PMID: 36408746 PMCID: PMC10099761 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The C3 "Tickover" hypothesis, a mechanism whereby the host maintains constant surveillance of potential invading pathogens, targeting them for elimination through amplified C3b generation and C3-dependent effector mechanisms, was proposed by the late Professor Peter Lachmann in 1973. This unique insight came from a combined understanding of the complement system as it was then defined and the nature of the disease process in rare complement deficiencies and complement-driven diseases. In this review, I give a personal perspective of how understanding of "Tickover" has developed in the subsequent 50 years, culminating in the introduction into the clinic of therapeutic agents designed to combat amplification-driven disease.
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11
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Chauvet S, Hauer JJ, Petitprez F, Rabant M, Martins PV, Baudouin V, Delmas Y, Jourde-Chiche N, Cez A, Ribes D, Cloarec S, Servais A, Zaidan M, Daugas E, Delahousse M, Wynckel A, Ryckewaert A, Sellier-Leclerc AL, Boyer O, Thervet E, Karras A, Smith RJH, Frémeaux-Bacchi V. Results from a nationwide retrospective cohort measure the impact of C3 and soluble C5b-9 levels on kidney outcomes in C3 glomerulopathy. Kidney Int 2022; 102:904-916. [PMID: 35752323 PMCID: PMC10588728 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare complement-mediated disease. Specific treatments are not yet available and factors predictive of kidney survival such as age, kidney function and proteinuria are not specific to C3G. The prognostic value of biomarkers of complement activation, which are pathognomonic of the diseases, remains unknown. In a large cohort of 165 patients from the French National registry, we retrospectively assess the prognostic value of C3, soluble C5b-9 (sC5b-9), C3 nephritic factor, and rare disease-predicting variants in complement genes in predicting clinical outcome of patients. By multivariate analysis age (adult onset), reduced kidney function (defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate under 60ml/min) and presence of rare disease-predicting variants in complement genes predicted risk of progression to kidney failure. Moreover, by multivariate analysis, normal C3/high sC5b-9 levels or low C3/normal sC5b-9 levels remained independently associated with a worse kidney prognosis, with the relative risk 3.7- and 8-times higher, respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that the complement biomarker profiles independently correlated to kidney prognosis in patients with adult but not pediatric onset. In this subgroup, we showed that profiles of biomarkers C3 and/or sC5b-9 correlated with intra glomerular inflammation and may explain kidney outcomes. In children, only the presence of rare disease-predicting variants correlated with kidney survival. Thus, in an adult population, we propose a three-point C3G prognostic score based on biomarker profiles at risk, estimated glomerular filtration rate at presentation and genetic findings, which may help stratify adult patients into subgroups that require close monitoring and more aggressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Chauvet
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; INSERM UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Team "Inflammation, Complement and cancer", Paris, France; Paris Cité University, Paris, France.
| | - Jill J Hauer
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Florent Petitprez
- Programme Cartes d'Identités des Tumeurs, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Marion Rabant
- Department of Renal Pathology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Paula Vieira Martins
- Department of Immunology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Baudouin
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | - Yahsou Delmas
- Department of Nephrology, CH Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Alexandre Cez
- Department of Nephrology, Tenon Hospital, Assistance Publique-hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - David Ribes
- Department of Nephrology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sylvie Cloarec
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, CHU Tours, Tours, France
| | - Aude Servais
- Department of Nephrology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - Mohamad Zaidan
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Eric Daugas
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, Department of Nephrology, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Olivia Boyer
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Paris, France
| | - Eric Thervet
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Karras
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Richard J H Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Véronique Frémeaux-Bacchi
- INSERM UMRS1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Team "Inflammation, Complement and cancer", Paris, France; Department of Immunology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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12
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Complement C3-targeted therapy in C3 glomerulopathy, a prototype of complement-mediated kidney diseases. Semin Immunol 2022; 60:101634. [PMID: 35817659 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare and complex kidney disease that primarily affects young adults. Renal outcomes remain poor in the absence of specific treatment. C3G is driven by uncontrolled overactivation of the alternative complement pathway, which is mainly of acquired origin. Functional characterization of complement abnormalities (i.e., autoantibodies targeting complement components and variants in complement genes) identified in patients and experimental models of the disease improved the understanding of the disease, making C3G a prototype of complement-mediated diseases. The contribution of C3 convertase, as well as C5 convertase, in disease occurrence, phenotype, and severity is now well established, offering various potential therapeutic interventions. However, the lack of sufficient efficiency in anti-C5 therapy highlights the extreme complexity of the disease and the need for new therapeutic approaches based on C3 and C3 convertase axis inhibition. Here, we provide an overview of the complement activation mechanism involved in C3G and discuss therapeutic options based on complement inhibitors, with a specific focus on C3 inhibition.
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13
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Kamala O, Malik TH, Hallam TM, Cox TE, Yang Y, Vyas F, Luli S, Connelly C, Gibson B, Smith-Jackson K, Denton H, Pappworth IY, Huang L, Kavanagh D, Pickering MC, Marchbank KJ. Homodimeric Minimal Factor H: In Vivo Tracking and Extended Dosing Studies in Factor H Deficient Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:752916. [PMID: 34956184 PMCID: PMC8696033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.752916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is associated with dysregulation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement and treatment options remain inadequate. Factor H (FH) is a potent regulator of the AP. An in-depth analysis of FH-related protein dimerised minimal (mini)-FH constructs has recently been published. This analysis showed that addition of a dimerisation module to mini-FH not only increased serum half-life but also improved complement regulatory function, thus providing a potential treatment option for C3G. Herein, we describe the production of a murine version of homodimeric mini-FH [mHDM-FH (mFH1-5^18-20^R1-2)], developed to reduce the risk of anti-drug antibody formation during long-term experiments in murine models of C3G and other complement-driven pathologies. Our analysis of mHDM-FH indicates that it binds with higher affinity and avidity to WT mC3b when compared to mouse (m)FH (mHDM-FH KD=505 nM; mFH KD=1370 nM) analogous to what we observed with the respective human proteins. The improved binding avidity resulted in enhanced complement regulatory function in haemolytic assays. Extended interval dosing studies in CFH-/- mice (5mg/kg every 72hrs) were partially effective and bio-distribution analysis in CFH-/- mice, through in vivo imaging technologies, demonstrates that mHDM-FH is preferentially deposited and remains fixed in the kidneys (and liver) for up to 4 days. Extended dosing using an AAV- human HDM-FH (hHDM-FH) construct achieved complete normalisation of C3 levels in CFH-/- mice for 3 months and was associated with a significant reduction in glomerular C3 staining. Our data demonstrate the ability of gene therapy delivery of mini-FH constructs to enhance complement regulation in vivo and support the application of this approach as a novel treatment strategy in diseases such as C3G.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola Kamala
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Talat H. Malik
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas M. Hallam
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E. Cox
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Yang
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Falguni Vyas
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Saimir Luli
- Preclinical In Vivo Imaging, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Connelly
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Gibson
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Smith-Jackson
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Harriet Denton
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Y. Pappworth
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Huang
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David Kavanagh
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C. Pickering
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J. Marchbank
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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14
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Freiwald T, Afzali B. Renal diseases and the role of complement: Linking complement to immune effector pathways and therapeutics. Adv Immunol 2021; 152:1-81. [PMID: 34844708 PMCID: PMC8905641 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is an ancient and phylogenetically conserved key danger sensing system that is critical for host defense against pathogens. Activation of the complement system is a vital component of innate immunity required for the detection and removal of pathogens. It is also a central orchestrator of adaptive immune responses and a constituent of normal tissue homeostasis. Once complement activation occurs, this system deposits indiscriminately on any cell surface in the vicinity and has the potential to cause unwanted and excessive tissue injury. Deposition of complement components is recognized as a hallmark of a variety of kidney diseases, where it is indeed associated with damage to the self. The provenance and the pathophysiological role(s) played by complement in each kidney disease is not fully understood. However, in recent years there has been a renaissance in the study of complement, with greater appreciation of its intracellular roles as a cell-intrinsic system and its interplay with immune effector pathways. This has been paired with a profusion of novel therapeutic agents antagonizing complement components, including approved inhibitors against complement components (C)1, C3, C5 and C5aR1. A number of clinical trials have investigated the use of these more targeted approaches for the management of kidney diseases. In this review we present and summarize the evidence for the roles of complement in kidney diseases and discuss the available clinical evidence for complement inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilo Freiwald
- Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Behdad Afzali
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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15
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Complement and the prothrombotic state. Blood 2021; 139:1954-1972. [PMID: 34415298 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020007206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2007 and 2009 the regulatory approval of the first-in-class complement inhibitor Eculizumab has revolutionized the clinical management of two rare, life-threatening clinical conditions: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). While being completely distinct diseases affecting blood cells and the glomerulus, PNH and aHUS remarkably share several features in their etiology and clinical presentation. An imbalance between complement activation and regulation at host surfaces underlies both diseases precipitating in severe thrombotic events that are largely resistant to anti-coagulant and/or anti-platelet therapies. Inhibition of the common terminal complement pathway by Eculizumab prevents the frequently occurring thrombotic events responsible for the high mortality and morbidity observed in patients not treated with anti-complement therapy. While many in vitro and ex vivo studies elaborate numerous different molecular interactions between complement activation products and hemostasis, this review focuses on the clinical evidence that links these two fields in humans. Several non-infectious conditions with known complement involvement are scrutinized for common patterns concerning a prothrombotic statues and the occurrence of certain complement activation levels. Next to PNH and aHUS, germline encoded CD59 or CD55 deficiency (the latter causing the disease Complement Hyperactivation, Angiopathic thrombosis, and Protein-Losing Enteropathy; CHAPLE), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), (catastrophic) anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS, CAPS) and C3 glomerulopathy are considered. Parallels and distinct features among these conditions are discussed against the background of thrombosis, complement activation, and potential complement diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
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16
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Malik TH, Gitterman DP, Lavin DP, Lomax-Browne HJ, Hiemeyer EC, Moran LB, Boroviak K, Cook HT, Gilmore AC, Mandwie M, Ahmad A, Alexander IE, Logan GJ, Marchbank KJ, Bradley A, Pickering MC. Gain-of-function factor H-related 5 protein impairs glomerular complement regulation resulting in kidney damage. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2022722118. [PMID: 33753502 PMCID: PMC8020653 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022722118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic variation within the factor H-related (FHR) genes is associated with the complement-mediated kidney disease, C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). There is no definitive treatment for C3G, and a significant proportion of patients develop end-stage renal disease. The prototypical example is CFHR5 nephropathy, through which an internal duplication within a single CFHR5 gene generates a mutant FHR5 protein (FHR5mut) that leads to accumulation of complement C3 within glomeruli. To elucidate how abnormal FHR proteins cause C3G, we modeled CFHR5 nephropathy in mice. Animals lacking the murine factor H (FH) and FHR proteins, but coexpressing human FH and FHR5mut (hFH-FHR5mut), developed glomerular C3 deposition, whereas mice coexpressing human FH with the normal FHR5 protein (hFH-FHR5) did not. Like in patients, the FHR5mut had a dominant gain-of-function effect, and when administered in hFH-FHR5 mice, it triggered C3 deposition. Importantly, adeno-associated virus vector-delivered homodimeric mini-FH, a molecule with superior surface C3 binding compared to FH, reduced glomerular C3 deposition in the presence of the FHR5mut. Our data demonstrate that FHR5mut causes C3G by disrupting the homeostatic regulation of complement within the kidney and is directly pathogenic in C3G. These results support the use of FH-derived molecules with enhanced C3 binding for treating C3G associated with abnormal FHR proteins. They also suggest that targeting FHR5 represents a way to treat complement-mediated kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talat H Malik
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel P Gitterman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah P Lavin
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah J Lomax-Browne
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - E Christina Hiemeyer
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Linda B Moran
- North West London Pathology, Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service Trust, London W6 8RF, United Kingdom
| | - Katharina Boroviak
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - H Terence Cook
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa C Gilmore
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Mawj Mandwie
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, The University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Westmead, Australia
| | - Amina Ahmad
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, The University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Westmead, Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, The University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Westmead, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Westmead, Australia
| | - Grant J Logan
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, The University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Westmead, Australia
| | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 4LP, United Kingdom
| | - Allan Bradley
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom;
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17
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Koopman JJE, van Essen MF, Rennke HG, de Vries APJ, van Kooten C. Deposition of the Membrane Attack Complex in Healthy and Diseased Human Kidneys. Front Immunol 2021; 11:599974. [PMID: 33643288 PMCID: PMC7906018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.599974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane attack complex-also known as C5b-9-is the end-product of the classical, lectin, and alternative complement pathways. It is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases by causing cellular injury and tissue inflammation, resulting in sclerosis and fibrosis. These deleterious effects are, consequently, targeted in the development of novel therapies that inhibit the formation of C5b-9, such as eculizumab. To clarify how C5b-9 contributes to kidney disease and to predict which patients benefit from such therapy, knowledge on deposition of C5b-9 in the kidney is essential. Because immunohistochemical staining of C5b-9 has not been routinely conducted and never been compared across studies, we provide a review of studies on deposition of C5b-9 in healthy and diseased human kidneys. We describe techniques to stain deposits and compare the occurrence of deposits in healthy kidneys and in a wide spectrum of kidney diseases, including hypertensive nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, C3 glomerulopathy, and thrombotic microangiopathies such as the atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, vasculitis, interstitial nephritis, acute tubular necrosis, kidney tumors, and rejection of kidney transplants. We summarize how these deposits are related with other histological lesions and clinical characteristics. We evaluate the prognostic relevance of these deposits in the light of possible treatment with complement inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J E Koopman
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mieke F van Essen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Helmut G Rennke
- Division of Renal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aiko P J de Vries
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Cees van Kooten
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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18
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Devalaraja-Narashimha K, Meagher K, Luo Y, Huang C, Kaplan T, Muthuswamy A, Halasz G, Casanova S, O'Brien J, Peyser Boiarsky R, McWhirter J, Gartner H, Bai Y, MacDonnell S, Liu C, Hu Y, Latuszek A, Wei Y, Prasad S, Huang T, Yancopoulos G, Murphy A, Olson W, Zambrowicz B, Macdonald L, Morton LG. Humanized C3 Mouse: A Novel Accelerated Model of C3 Glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:99-114. [PMID: 33288630 PMCID: PMC7894673 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020050698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is characterized by the alternative-pathway (AP) hyperactivation induced by nephritic factors or complement gene mutations. Mice deficient in complement factor H (CFH) are a classic C3G model, with kidney disease that requires several months to progress to renal failure. Novel C3G models can further contribute to understanding the mechanism behind this disease and developing therapeutic approaches. METHODS A novel, rapidly progressing, severe, murine model of C3G was developed by replacing the mouse C3 gene with the human C3 homolog using VelociGene technology. Functional, histologic, molecular, and pharmacologic assays characterize the presentation of renal disease and enable useful pharmacologic interventions in the humanized C3 (C3hu/hu) mice. RESULTS The C3hu/hu mice exhibit increased morbidity early in life and die by about 5-6 months of age. The C3hu/hu mice display elevated biomarkers of kidney dysfunction, glomerulosclerosis, C3/C5b-9 deposition, and reduced circulating C3 compared with wild-type mice. Administration of a C5-blocking mAb improved survival rate and offered functional and histopathologic benefits. Blockade of AP activation by anti-C3b or CFB mAbs also extended survival and preserved kidney function. CONCLUSIONS The C3hu/hu mice are a useful model for C3G because they share many pathologic features consistent with the human disease. The C3G phenotype in C3hu/hu mice may originate from a dysregulated interaction of human C3 protein with multiple mouse complement proteins, leading to unregulated C3 activation via AP. The accelerated disease course in C3hu/hu mice may further enable preclinical studies to assess and validate new therapeutics for C3G.
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19
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Duineveld C, Steenbergen EJ, Bomback AS, van de Kar NCAJ, Wetzels JFM. Treatment-resistant nephrotic syndrome in dense deposit disease: complement-mediated glomerular capillary wall injury? Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:1791-1795. [PMID: 32447506 PMCID: PMC7384995 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The C3 glomerulopathies (C3G) are recently defined glomerular diseases, attributed to abnormal complement regulation. Dense deposit disease (DDD) is part of the spectrum of C3G, characterized by electron-dense deposits in the lamina densa of the glomerular basement membrane. Patients with DDD present with hematuria, variable degrees of proteinuria, and kidney dysfunction. Kidney biopsies typically disclose proliferative and inflammatory patterns of injury. Treatment with glucocorticoids and mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to achieve remission of proteinuria in a significant proportion of C3G patients. CASE-DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT We report two patients with persistent nephrotic syndrome while on immunosuppressive therapy. Repeat kidney biopsies disclosed massive C3 deposits with foot process effacement in the absence of proliferative or inflammatory lesions on light microscopy. CONCLUSION These cases, coupled with data from animal models of disease and the variable response to eculizumab in C3G patients, illustrate that two different pathways might be involved in the development of kidney injury in C3G: a C5-independent pathway leading to glomerular capillary wall injury and the development of proteinuria versus a C5-dependent pathway that causes proliferative glomerulonephritis and kidney dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Duineveld
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO BOX 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Eric J. Steenbergen
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Andrew S. Bomback
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Nicole C. A. J. van de Kar
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Amalia Children’s Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jack F. M. Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO BOX 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, Netherlands
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20
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Andrighetto S, Leventhal J, Zaza G, Cravedi P. Complement and Complement Targeting Therapies in Glomerular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246336. [PMID: 31888179 PMCID: PMC6940904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement cascade is part of the innate immune system whose actions protect hosts from pathogens. Recent research shows complement involvement in a wide spectrum of renal disease pathogenesis including antibody-related glomerulopathies and non-antibody-mediated kidney diseases, such as C3 glomerular disease, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. A pivotal role in renal pathogenesis makes targeting complement activation an attractive therapeutic strategy. Over the last decade, a growing number of anti-complement agents have been developed; some are approved for clinical use and many others are in the pipeline. Herein, we review the pathways of complement activation and regulation, illustrate its role instigating or amplifying glomerular injury, and discuss the most promising novel complement-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Andrighetto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.A.); (J.L.)
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University/Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Jeremy Leventhal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.A.); (J.L.)
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University/Hospital of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy;
| | - Paolo Cravedi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (S.A.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-212-241-3349; Fax: +1-212-987-0389
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Evaluation of Clinical, Laboratory and Treatment Modalities in C3 Glomerulopathy: Single Center Experience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 40:15-23. [PMID: 31605593 DOI: 10.2478/prilozi-2019-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM C3 glomerulopathy (C3GP) defines a rare group of glomerulonephritis (GN), which could lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Histopathologic features of the disease have yet to be defined and the prognostic factors and optimal treatment are not fully known. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic, histological change, treatment modalities and outcomes among patients with C3GP. MATERIAL AND METHOD This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology, Gazi University, Ankara, from 2013 to 2017. All patients with kidney biopsies fulfilling the criteria for C3GP were included in the study. RESULTS Twenty-four patients with C3GP (50% male and of middle age - 43 years old) were enrolled in this study. 21% (5/24) patients developed ESRD. Renal biopsy findings such as crescent formation, glomerulo-sclerosis and tubular atrophy were similar in patients with ESRD, when compared to patients who did not develop ESRD. The treatment modalities of the patients were examined in two groups as MMF based and non-MMF based. The difference in the preservation of eGFR did not reach statistical significance between these two groups. The success rate of complete remission was similar between both groups. Serum creatinine levels >2.3 mg/dl at admission and need for renal replacement treatment (RRT) were associated with decreased renal survival. CONCLUSION MMF based or non-MMF based treatments have similar efficacy in C3GP. Serum creatinine level higher than 2.3 mg/dl at the time of diagnosis and need for RRT during admission are a strong predictor of ESRD with high sensitivity and specificity.
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Complement Activation in Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1165:423-441. [PMID: 31399977 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide, with increasing incidence and prevalence. The mechanisms underlying the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is not fully understood. The complement system was traditionally regarded as an important part of innate immunity required for host protection against infection and for maintaining host hemostasis. However, compelling evidence from both clinical and experimental studies has strongly incriminated complement activation as a pivotal pathogenic mediator of the development of multiple renal diseases and progressive replacement of functioning nephrons by fibrosis. Both anaphylatoxins, i.e., C3a and C5a, and membrane attack complex (MAC) contribute to the damage that occurs during chronic renal progression through various mechanisms including direct proinflammatory and fibrogenic activity, chemotactic effect, activation of the renal renin-angiotensin system, and enhancement of T-cell immunity. Evolving understanding of the mechanisms of complement-mediated renal injury has led to the emergence of complement-targeting therapeutics. A variety of specific antibodies and inhibitors targeting complement components have shown efficacy in reducing disease in animal models. Moreover, building on these advances, targeting complement has gained encouraging success in treating patients with renal diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Nevertheless, it still requires a great deal of effort to develop inhibitors that can be applied to treat more patients effectively in routine clinical practice.
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23
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Medjeral-Thomas NR, Moffitt H, Lomax-Browne HJ, Constantinou N, Cairns T, Cook HT, Pickering MC. Glomerular Complement Factor H-Related Protein 5 (FHR5) Is Highly Prevalent in C3 Glomerulopathy and Associated With Renal Impairment. Kidney Int Rep 2019; 4:1387-1400. [PMID: 31701048 PMCID: PMC6829196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Therapeutic agents that target complement are increasingly available for glomerular diseases. However, the mechanisms linking glomerular complement deposition with inflammation and damage are incompletely understood. Complement factor H-related protein 5 (FHR5) interacts with complement C3 and is considered to promote activation. Circulating and glomerular FHR5 associates with IgA nephropathy and abnormal FHR5 associates with familial C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). We characterized glomerular FHR5 staining in C3G and assessed its relationships with histological features of glomerular injury and clinical outcome. Methods We developed FHR5 staining protocols for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) renal tissue and applied them to surplus biopsy sections from a C3G cohort. Results Glomerular FHR5 was highly prevalent in native and transplant C3G and correlated with glomerular C3 and C5b-9 staining. Glomerular FHR5 staining correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P = 0.04, difference of medians 19.7 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-43.0) and positively with a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis pattern at diagnostic biopsy (odds ratio 18; 95% CI 1.6-201; P = 0.049). Glomerular FHR5 staining intensity positively correlated with glomerular complement C3b/iC3b/C3c (Pearson's correlation coefficient [R] = 0.59; P = 0.0008), C3dg (R = 0.47; P = 0.02) and C5b9 (R = 0.44, P = 0.02). Conclusions Glomerular FHR5 is highly prevalent in C3G, interacts with glomerular C3, and is associated with markers of disease severity. Glomerular FHR5 likely exacerbates complement-mediated glomerular damage in C3G and its interaction with glomerular complement might be exploited to target complement therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Medjeral-Thomas
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Hilary Moffitt
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Hannah J Lomax-Browne
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Nicholas Constantinou
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Tom Cairns
- Renal and Transplant Centre, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK
| | - H Terence Cook
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Division of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK
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24
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Ruggenenti P, Daina E, Gennarini A, Carrara C, Gamba S, Noris M, Rubis N, Peraro F, Gaspari F, Pasini A, Rigotti A, Lerchner RM, Santoro D, Pisani A, Pasi A, Remuzzi G. C5 Convertase Blockade in Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial. Am J Kidney Dis 2019; 74:224-238. [PMID: 30929851 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2018.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE Primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a rare glomerulopathy characterized by complement dysregulation. MPGN progresses rapidly to kidney failure when it is associated with nephrotic syndrome. We assessed the effects of C5 convertase blockade in patients with MPGN and terminal complement activation. STUDY DESIGN Prospective off-on-off-on open-label clinical trial. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Consenting patients with immune complex-mediated MPGN (n=6) or C3 glomerulonephritis (n=4) with sC5b-9 (serum complement membrane attack complex) plasma levels>1,000ng/mL and 24-hour proteinuria with protein excretion>3.5g identified from the Italian Registry of MPGN and followed up at the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS (Bergamo, Italy) between March 4, 2014, and January 7, 2015. INTERVENTION Anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab administered during 2 sequential 48-week treatment periods separated by one 12-week washout period. OUTCOMES Primary outcome was change in 24-hour proteinuria (median of 3 consecutive measurements) at 24 and 48 weeks. RESULTS Median proteinuria decreased from protein excretion of 6.03 (interquartile range [IQR], 4.8-12.4) g/d at baseline to 3.74 (IQR, 3.2-4.4) g/d at 24 weeks (P=0.01) and to 5.06 (IQR, 3.1-5.8) g/d (P=0.006) at 48 weeks of treatment, recovered toward baseline during the washout period, and did not significantly decrease thereafter. Hypoalbuminemia, dyslipidemia, and glomerular sieving function improved during the first treatment period. 3 patients achieved partial remission of nephrotic syndrome and all had undetectable C3 nephritic factors before treatment. Mean measured glomerular filtration rate was 69.7±35.2 versus 87.4±55.1 and 75.8±42.7 versus 76.6±44.1mL/min/1.73m2 at the start versus the end of the first and second treatment periods, respectively, among all 10 study participants. Unlike C3, sC5b-9 plasma levels normalized during both treatment periods and recovered toward baseline during the washout in all patients. LIMITATIONS Single-arm design, small sample size. CONCLUSIONS Eculizumab blunted terminal complement activation in all patients with immune complex-mediated MPGN or C3 glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome, but persistently reduced proteinuria in just a subgroup. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered in the EU Clinical Trials Register with study no. 2013-003826-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Ruggenenti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Erica Daina
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alessia Gennarini
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Camillo Carrara
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sara Gamba
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Nadia Rubis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Francesco Peraro
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Flavio Gaspari
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pasini
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Rigotti
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Ospedale Infermi di Rimini, AUSL della Romagna, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Santoro
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Policlinico "G. Martino", Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Cattedra di Nefrologia, Università Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy; L. Sacco Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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25
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Smith RJH, Appel GB, Blom AM, Cook HT, D'Agati VD, Fakhouri F, Fremeaux-Bacchi V, Józsi M, Kavanagh D, Lambris JD, Noris M, Pickering MC, Remuzzi G, de Córdoba SR, Sethi S, Van der Vlag J, Zipfel PF, Nester CM. C3 glomerulopathy - understanding a rare complement-driven renal disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2019; 15:129-143. [PMID: 30692664 PMCID: PMC6876298 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-018-0107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The C3 glomerulopathies are a group of rare kidney diseases characterized by complement dysregulation occurring in the fluid phase and in the glomerular microenvironment, which results in prominent complement C3 deposition in kidney biopsy samples. The two major subgroups of C3 glomerulopathy - dense deposit disease (DDD) and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) - have overlapping clinical and pathological features suggestive of a disease continuum. Dysregulation of the complement alternative pathway is fundamental to the manifestations of C3 glomerulopathy, although terminal pathway dysregulation is also common. Disease is driven by acquired factors in most patients - namely, autoantibodies that target the C3 or C5 convertases. These autoantibodies drive complement dysregulation by increasing the half-life of these vital but normally short-lived enzymes. Genetic variation in complement-related genes is a less frequent cause. No disease-specific treatments are available, although immunosuppressive agents and terminal complement pathway blockers are helpful in some patients. Unfortunately, no treatment is universally effective or curative. In aggregate, the limited data on renal transplantation point to a high risk of disease recurrence (both DDD and C3GN) in allograft recipients. Clinical trials are underway to test the efficacy of several first-generation drugs that target the alternative complement pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J H Smith
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories and the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Divisions of Nephrology), Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Gerald B Appel
- Department of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna M Blom
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - H Terence Cook
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vivette D D'Agati
- Department of Pathology, Renal Pathology Laboratory, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Véronique Fremeaux-Bacchi
- Service de Néphrologie-Transplantation Adulte, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Complement Research Group, Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University and the MTA-SE Research Group of Immunology and Haematology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Kavanagh
- Newcastle University, Institute of Genetic Medicine, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche (IRCCS) 'Mario Negri', Clinical Research Centre for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò', Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche (IRCCS) 'Mario Negri', Clinical Research Centre for Rare Diseases 'Aldo e Cele Daccò', Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Santiago Rodriguez de Córdoba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Raras, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sanjeev Sethi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Johan Van der Vlag
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Carla M Nester
- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories and the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Divisions of Nephrology), Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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26
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Abstract
Autoimmunity is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and loss of native and transplanted kidneys. Conventional immunosuppressive therapies can be effective but are non-specific, noncurative, and risk serious side effects such as life-threatening infection and cancer. Novel therapies and targeted interventions are urgently needed. In this brief review we explore diverse strategies currently in development and under consideration to interrupt underlying disease mechanisms in immune-mediated renal injury. Because autoantibodies are prominent in diagnosis and pathogenesis in multiple human glomerulopathies, we highlight several promising therapies that interfere with functions of early mediators (IgG and complement) of the effector arm and with an epicenter (the germinal center) for induction of humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Helen Foster
- a Department of Medicine , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA.,b Medical and Research Services , Durham VA Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
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27
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Le Quintrec M, Frémeaux-Bacchi V, Fakhouri F. In Reply to ‘Benefit of Eculizumab Compared to Standard of Care Still Unproven in C3 Glomerulopathy’. Am J Kidney Dis 2018; 72:906-907. [DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ma H, Liu C, Shi B, Zhang Z, Feng R, Guo M, Lu L, Shi S, Gao X, Chen W, Sun L. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Control Complement C5 Activation by Factor H in Lupus Nephritis. EBioMedicine 2018; 32:21-30. [PMID: 29885865 PMCID: PMC6020800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) caused by uncontrolled activation of the complement system. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit clinical efficacy for severe LN in our previous studies, but the underlying mechanisms of MSCs regulating complement activation remain largely unknown. Here we show that significantly elevated C5a and C5b-9 were found in patients with LN, which were notably correlated with proteinuria and different renal pathological indexes of LN. MSCs suppressed systemic and intrarenal activation of C5, increased the plasma levels of factor H (FH), and ameliorated renal disease in lupus mice. Importantly, MSCs transplantation up-regulated the decreased FH in patients with LN. Mechanistically, interferon-α enhanced the secretion of FH by MSCs. These data demonstrate that MSCs inhibit the activation of pathogenic C5 via up-regulation of FH, which improves our understanding of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of MSCs in the treatment of lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingyu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuoya Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruihai Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Minghao Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Liwei Lu
- Department of Pathology and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Songtao Shi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Xiang Gao
- Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wanjun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, NIDCR, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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29
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Yang Y, Denton H, Davies OR, Smith-Jackson K, Kerr H, Herbert AP, Barlow PN, Pickering MC, Marchbank KJ. An Engineered Complement Factor H Construct for Treatment of C3 Glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:1649-1661. [PMID: 29588430 PMCID: PMC6054357 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017091006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is associated with dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation, and treatment options for C3G remain limited. Complement factor H (FH) is a potent regulator of the alternative pathway and might offer a solution, but the mass and complexity of FH makes generation of full-length FH far from trivial. We previously generated a mini-FH construct, with FH short consensus repeats 1-5 linked to repeats 18-20 (FH1-5^18-20), that was effective in experimental C3G. However, the serum t1/2 of FH1-5^18-20 was significantly shorter than that of serum-purified FH.Methods We introduced the oligomerization domain of human FH-related protein 1 (denoted by R1-2) at the carboxy or amino terminus of human FH1-5^18-20 to generate two homodimeric mini-FH constructs (FHR1-2^1-5^18-20 and FH1-5^18-20^R1-2, respectively) in Chinese hamster ovary cells and tested these constructs using binding, fluid-phase, and erythrocyte lysis assays, followed by experiments in FH-deficient Cfh-/- mice.Results FHR1-2^1-5^18-20 and FH1-5^18-20^R1-2 homodimerized in solution and displayed avid binding profiles on clustered C3b surfaces, particularly FHR1-2^1-5^18-20 Each construct was >10-fold more effective than FH at inhibiting cell surface complement activity in vitro and restricted glomerular basement membrane C3 deposition in vivo significantly better than FH or FH1-5^18-20 FH1-5^18-20^R1-2 had a C3 breakdown fragment binding profile similar to that of FH, a >5-fold increase in serum t1/2 compared with that of FH1-5^18-20, and significantly better retention in the kidney than FH or FH1-5^18-20Conclusions FH1-5^18-20^R1-2 may have utility as a treatment option for C3G or other complement-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Harriet Denton
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Owen R Davies
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate Smith-Jackson
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Heather Kerr
- Department of Chemistry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK; and
| | - Andrew P Herbert
- Department of Chemistry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK; and
| | - Paul N Barlow
- Department of Chemistry, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK; and
| | | | - Kevin J Marchbank
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University and National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK;
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30
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Santoro D, Siligato R, Vadalà C, Lucanto M, Cristadoro S, Conti G, Buemi M, Costa S, Sabadini E, Magazzù G. C3 glomerulopathy in cystic fibrosis: a case report. BMC Nephrol 2018; 19:73. [PMID: 29592796 PMCID: PMC5875003 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-018-0880-y] [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: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background C3 glomerulonephritis is a rare glomerulopathy characterized at renal biopsy by C3 deposition, alone or with scanty immunoglobulins, as well as by an electron-dense material in mesangium, subendothelial and subepithelial space. An abnormal systemic activation of the alternative pathway of the complement cascade is responsible for the development of the disease if triggered by several possible environmental conditions. We report the first case in literature of a patient affected by cystic fibrosis and C3GN. Case presentation Our case involves a young woman with cystic fibrosis, who had persistent microscopic hematuria, proteinuria and hypocomplementemia C3 for over three months. Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of C3 glomerulopathy. Complement system dysregulation was tested and resulted in a strong terminal pathway activation proved by high levels of sC5b-9 complex, amounting to 1588 ng/ml (normal value < 400 ng/ml). Next generation sequencing (NGS) showed polymorphism in CFH (p.V62I in SCR1) and THBD (p.A473V), already known as pathogenic for C3GN, as well as a mutation in C3 (p.R102G) associated only with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) so far. Treatment was based on ACE inhibitors and kidney function is currently stable (GFR 50 ml/min, serum creatinine 1.7). Conclusions The co-existence of C3 glomerulopathy in a patient with CF, which is characterized by chronic infection/inflammation, makes this case an interesting model of chronic altered systemic activation of the alternative pathway of the complement cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Faranda, 2-98123, Messina, Italy.
| | - Rossella Siligato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Faranda, 2-98123, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Vadalà
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Faranda, 2-98123, Messina, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Lucanto
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Cristadoro
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Conti
- Unit of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Buemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Faranda, 2-98123, Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Costa
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Magazzù
- Unit of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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31
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Łukawska E, Polcyn-Adamczak M, Niemir ZI. The role of the alternative pathway of complement activation in glomerular diseases. Clin Exp Med 2018; 18:297-318. [DOI: 10.1007/s10238-018-0491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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32
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Le Quintrec M, Lapeyraque AL, Lionet A, Sellier-Leclerc AL, Delmas Y, Baudouin V, Daugas E, Decramer S, Tricot L, Cailliez M, Dubot P, Servais A, Mourey-Epron C, Pourcine F, Loirat C, Frémeaux-Bacchi V, Fakhouri F. Patterns of Clinical Response to Eculizumab in Patients With C3 Glomerulopathy. Am J Kidney Dis 2018; 72:84-92. [PMID: 29429752 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cases reports and small series of patients with C3 glomerulopathy have reported variable efficacy of eculizumab. STUDY DESIGN Case series of C3 glomerulopathy. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Pediatric and adult patients with C3 glomerulopathy treated with eculizumab between 2010 and 2016 were identified through the C3 glomerulopathy French registry database, and a questionnaire was sent to participating French pediatric and adult nephrology centers, as well as one pediatric referral center in Québec, Canada. OUTCOMES Global or partial clinical renal response. MEASUREMENTS Evolution of serum creatinine and proteinuria values. RESULTS 26 patients (13 children/adolescents) were included. 22 (85%) patients had received steroids, plasma exchange, or immunosuppressive therapy before eculizumab, and 3 of them had rapid progression of their kidney disease despite treatment. At the initiation of eculizumab therapy, 11 (42%) patients had chronic kidney disease, 7 (27%) had rapidly progressive disease, and 3 (12%) required dialysis. After eculizumab treatment (median duration, 14 months), 6 (23%) patients had a global clinical response; 6 (23%), a partial clinical response; and 14 (54%), no response. Compared with those who had a partial clinical or no response, patients who had a global clinical response had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates, a more rapidly progressive course, and more extracapillary proliferation on kidney biopsy. Age, extent of renal fibrosis, frequency of nephrotic syndrome, low serum C3 and C3 nephritic factor and elevated soluble C5b-9 concentrations, or complement gene variants did not differ between responders and nonresponders. LIMITATIONS Retrospective design without a control group, relatively small number of cases, inclusion of pediatric and adult cases. CONCLUSIONS Eculizumab appears to be a potential treatment for patients with crescentic rapidly progressive C3 glomerulopathy. Its benefit in patients with non-rapidly progressing forms seems to be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moglie Le Quintrec
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Laure Lapeyraque
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Justine and University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Arnaud Lionet
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Huriez, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille
| | | | - Yahsou Delmas
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
| | - Véronique Baudouin
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Robert Debré
| | - Eric Daugas
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bichat, Paris
| | - Stéphane Decramer
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse
| | - Leila Tricot
- Department of Nephrology, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes
| | - Mathilde Cailliez
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Timone, Marseille
| | - Philippe Dubot
- Department of Nephrology, Centre hospitalier William Morey, Chalon sur Saône
| | - Aude Servais
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Necker, Paris
| | | | - Franck Pourcine
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Henri Mondor, Créteil
| | - Chantal Loirat
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Robert Debré
| | | | - Fadi Fakhouri
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France.
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33
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Michelfelder S, Fischer F, Wäldin A, Hörle KV, Pohl M, Parsons J, Reski R, Decker EL, Zipfel PF, Skerka C, Häffner K. The MFHR1 Fusion Protein Is a Novel Synthetic Multitarget Complement Inhibitor with Therapeutic Potential. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:1141-1153. [PMID: 29335241 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017070738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is essential for host defense, but uncontrolled complement system activation leads to severe, mostly renal pathologies, such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome or C3 glomerulopathy. Here, we investigated a novel combinational approach to modulate complement activation by targeting C3 and the terminal pathway simultaneously. The synthetic fusion protein MFHR1 links the regulatory domains of complement factor H (FH) with the C5 convertase/C5b-9 inhibitory fragment of the FH-related protein 1. In vitro, MFHR1 showed cofactor and decay acceleration activity and inhibited C5 convertase activation and C5b-9 assembly, which prevented C3b deposition and reduced C3a/C5a and C5b-9 generation. Furthermore, this fusion protein showed the ability to escape deregulation by FH-related proteins and form multimeric complexes with increased inhibitory activity. In addition to substantially inhibiting alternative and classic pathway activation, MFHR1 blocked hemolysis mediated by serum from a patient with aHUS expressing truncated FH. In FH-/- mice, MFHR1 administration augmented serum C3 levels, reduced abnormal glomerular C3 deposition, and ameliorated C3 glomerulopathy. Taking the unique design of MFHR1 into account, we suggest that the combination of proximal and terminal cascade inhibition together with the ability to form multimeric complexes explain the strong inhibitory capacity of MFHR1, which offers a novel basis for complement therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Michelfelder
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Friedericke Fischer
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Astrid Wäldin
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Kim V Hörle
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Martin Pohl
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine
| | | | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, and.,Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and
| | | | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine,
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34
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Brocklebank V, Kavanagh D. Complement C5-inhibiting therapy for the thrombotic microangiopathies: accumulating evidence, but not a panacea. Clin Kidney J 2017; 10:600-624. [PMID: 28980670 PMCID: PMC5622895 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfx081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), characterized by organ injury occurring consequent to severe endothelial damage, can manifest in a diverse range of diseases. In complement-mediated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) a primary defect in complement, such as a mutation or autoantibody leading to over activation of the alternative pathway, predisposes to the development of disease, usually following exposure to an environmental trigger. The elucidation of the pathogenesis of aHUS resulted in the successful introduction of the complement inhibitor eculizumab into clinical practice. In other TMAs, although complement activation may be seen, its role in the pathogenesis remains to be confirmed by an interventional trial. Although many case reports in TMAs other than complement-mediated aHUS hint at efficacy, publication bias, concurrent therapies and in some cases the self-limiting nature of disease make broader interpretation difficult. In this article, we will review the evidence for the role of complement inhibition in complement-mediated aHUS and other TMAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Brocklebank
- The National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre (NRCTC), Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - David Kavanagh
- The National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre (NRCTC), Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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35
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Thurman JM. Many drugs for many targets: novel treatments for complement-mediated glomerular disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2017; 32:i57-i64. [PMID: 28391332 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a large body of experimental and clinical evidence that complement activation contributes to glomerular injury in multiple different diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms that trigger complement activation vary from disease to disease. Immune complexes activate the classical pathway of complement in many types of glomerulonephritis, whereas the alternative pathway and mannose-binding lectin pathways are directly activated in some diseases. Eculizumab is an inhibitory antibody to C5 that has been approved for the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and case reports suggest that it is also effective in other types of glomerulonephritis. Furthermore, new complement-inhibitory drugs are being developed that target additional proteins within the complement cascade, raising the possibility of blocking the specific complement proteins involved in a given disease. This review examines the rationale for targeting different proteins within the complement cascade, the new anti-complement drugs currently in development and some of the challenges that investigators will face in bringing these drugs to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Thurman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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36
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Liszewski MK, Java A, Schramm EC, Atkinson JP. Complement Dysregulation and Disease: Insights from Contemporary Genetics. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 12:25-52. [PMID: 27959629 PMCID: PMC6020056 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012615-044145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate complement system consists of sequentially interacting proteins that provide for a rapid and powerful host defense. Nearly 60 proteins comprise three activation pathways (classical, alternative, and lectin) and a terminal cytolytic pathway common to all. Attesting to its potency, nearly half of the system's components are engaged in its regulation. An emerging theme over the past decade is that variations in these inhibitors predispose to two scourges of modern humans. One, occurring most often in childhood, is a rare but deadly thrombomicroangiopathy called atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. The other, age-related macular degeneration, is the most common form of blindness in the elderly. Their seemingly unrelated clinical presentations and pathologies share the common theme of overactivity of the complement system's alternative pathway. This review summarizes insights gained from contemporary genetics for understanding how dysregulation of this powerful innate immune system leads to these human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kathryn Liszewski
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110;
| | - Anuja Java
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | | | - John P Atkinson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110;
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37
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Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of the disease pathology of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis has resulted in its re-classification as complement C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (IC-GN). The new consensus is based on its underlying pathomechanism, with a key pathogenetic role for the complement alternative pathway (AP), rather than on histomorphological characteristics. In C3G, loss of AP regulation leads to predominant glomerular C3 deposition, which distinguishes C3G from IC-GN with predominant immunoglobulin G staining. Electron microscopy further subdivides C3G into C3 glomerulonephritis and dense deposit disease depending on the presence and distribution pattern of electron-dense deposits within the glomerular filter. Mutations or autoantibodies affecting the function of AP activators or regulators, in particular the decay of the C3 convertase (C3 nephritic factor), have been detected in up to 80 % of C3G patients. The natural outcome of C3G is heterogeneous, but 50 % of patients progress slowly and reach end-stage renal disease within 10-15 years. The new classification not only marks significant advancement in the pathogenic understanding of this rare disease, but also opens doors towards more specific treatment with the potential for improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Riedl
- Cell Biology Program of the Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paul Thorner
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christoph Licht
- Cell Biology Program of the Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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38
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Michelfelder S, Parsons J, Bohlender LL, Hoernstein SNW, Niederkrüger H, Busch A, Krieghoff N, Koch J, Fode B, Schaaf A, Frischmuth T, Pohl M, Zipfel PF, Reski R, Decker EL, Häffner K. Moss-Produced, Glycosylation-Optimized Human Factor H for Therapeutic Application in Complement Disorders. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 28:1462-1474. [PMID: 27932477 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015070745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in complement regulatory proteins can lead to severe renal diseases, including atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathies, and age-related macular degeneration. The majority of the mutations found in patients with these diseases affect the glycoprotein complement factor H, the main regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation. Therapeutic options are limited, and novel treatments, specifically those targeting alternative pathway activation, are highly desirable. Substitution with biologically active factor H could potentially treat a variety of diseases that involve increased alternative pathway activation, but no therapeutic factor H is commercially available. We recently reported the expression of full-length recombinant factor H in moss (Physcomitrella patens). Here, we present the production of an improved moss-derived recombinant human factor H devoid of potentially immunogenic plant-specific sugar residues on protein N-glycans, yielding approximately 1 mg purified moss-derived human factor H per liter of initial P. patens culture after a multistep purification process. This glycosylation-optimized factor H showed full in vitro complement regulatory activity similar to that of plasma-derived factor H and efficiently blocked LPS-induced alternative pathway activation and hemolysis induced by sera from patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Furthermore, injection of moss-derived factor H reduced C3 deposition and increased serum C3 levels in a murine model of C3 glomerulopathy. Thus, we consider moss-produced recombinant human factor H a promising pharmaceutical product for therapeutic intervention in patients suffering from complement dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Michelfelder
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennard L Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonas Koch
- Greenovation Biotech GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Martin Pohl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; and.,FRIAS Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany;
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39
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Epand RM, So V, Jennings W, Khadka B, Gupta RS, Lemaire M. Diacylglycerol Kinase-ε: Properties and Biological Roles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:112. [PMID: 27803897 PMCID: PMC5067486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals there are at least 10 isoforms of diacylglycerol kinases (DGK). All catalyze the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA). Among DGK isoforms, DGKε has several unique features. It is the only DGK isoform with specificity for a particular species of DAG, i.e., 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl glycerol. The smallest of all known DGK isoforms, DGKε, is also the only DGK devoid of a regulatory domain. DGKε is the only DGK isoform that has a hydrophobic segment that is predicted to form a transmembrane helix. As the only membrane-bound, constitutively active DGK isoform with exquisite specificity for particular molecular species of DAG, the functional overlap between DGKε and other DGKs is predicted to be minimal. DGKε exhibits specificity for DAG containing the same acyl chains as those found in the lipid intermediates of the phosphatidylinositol-cycle. It has also been shown that DGKε affects the acyl chain composition of phosphatidylinositol in whole cells. It is thus likely that DGKε is responsible for catalyzing one step in the phosphatidylinositol-cycle. Steps of this cycle take place in both the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. DGKε is likely present in both of these membranes. DGKε is the only DGK isoform that is associated with a human disease. Indeed, recessive loss-of-function mutations in DGKε cause atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS). This condition is characterized by thrombosis in the small vessels of the kidney. It causes acute renal insufficiency in infancy and most patients develop end-stage renal failure before adulthood. Disease pathophysiology is poorly understood and there is no therapy. There are also data suggesting that DGKε may play a role in epilepsy and Huntington disease. Thus, DGKε has many unique molecular and biochemical properties when compared to all other DGK isoforms. DGKε homologs also contain a number of conserved sequence features that are distinctive characteristics of either the rodents or specific groups of primate homologs. How cells, tissues and organisms harness DGKε's catalytic prowess remains unclear. The discovery of DGKε's role in causing aHUS will hopefully boost efforts to unravel the mechanisms by which DGKε dysfunction causes disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Epand
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent So
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences CentreHamilton, ON, Canada; Nephrology Division and Cell Biology Program, Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada
| | - William Jennings
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Bijendra Khadka
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Radhey S Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lemaire
- Nephrology Division and Cell Biology Program, Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medicine, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
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40
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Epand RM, So V, Jennings W, Khadka B, Gupta RS, Lemaire M. Diacylglycerol Kinase-ε: Properties and Biological Roles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016. [PMID: 27803897 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00112)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals there are at least 10 isoforms of diacylglycerol kinases (DGK). All catalyze the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA). Among DGK isoforms, DGKε has several unique features. It is the only DGK isoform with specificity for a particular species of DAG, i.e., 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl glycerol. The smallest of all known DGK isoforms, DGKε, is also the only DGK devoid of a regulatory domain. DGKε is the only DGK isoform that has a hydrophobic segment that is predicted to form a transmembrane helix. As the only membrane-bound, constitutively active DGK isoform with exquisite specificity for particular molecular species of DAG, the functional overlap between DGKε and other DGKs is predicted to be minimal. DGKε exhibits specificity for DAG containing the same acyl chains as those found in the lipid intermediates of the phosphatidylinositol-cycle. It has also been shown that DGKε affects the acyl chain composition of phosphatidylinositol in whole cells. It is thus likely that DGKε is responsible for catalyzing one step in the phosphatidylinositol-cycle. Steps of this cycle take place in both the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. DGKε is likely present in both of these membranes. DGKε is the only DGK isoform that is associated with a human disease. Indeed, recessive loss-of-function mutations in DGKε cause atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS). This condition is characterized by thrombosis in the small vessels of the kidney. It causes acute renal insufficiency in infancy and most patients develop end-stage renal failure before adulthood. Disease pathophysiology is poorly understood and there is no therapy. There are also data suggesting that DGKε may play a role in epilepsy and Huntington disease. Thus, DGKε has many unique molecular and biochemical properties when compared to all other DGK isoforms. DGKε homologs also contain a number of conserved sequence features that are distinctive characteristics of either the rodents or specific groups of primate homologs. How cells, tissues and organisms harness DGKε's catalytic prowess remains unclear. The discovery of DGKε's role in causing aHUS will hopefully boost efforts to unravel the mechanisms by which DGKε dysfunction causes disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Epand
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent So
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences CentreHamilton, ON, Canada; Nephrology Division and Cell Biology Program, Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada
| | - William Jennings
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Bijendra Khadka
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Radhey S Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lemaire
- Nephrology Division and Cell Biology Program, Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medicine, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
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41
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Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) describes a spectrum of glomerular diseases defined by shared renal biopsy pathology: a predominance of C3 deposition on immunofluorescence with electron microscopy permitting disease sub-classification. Complement dysregulation underlies the observed pathology, a causal relationship that is supported by well described studies of genetic and acquired drivers of disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the features of C3G, including a discussion of disease definition and a review of the causal role of complement. We discuss molecular markers of disease and how biomarkers are informing our evolving understanding of underlying pathology. Research advances are laying the foundation for complement inhibition as a targeted approach to treatment of C3G.
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42
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Vernon KA, Ruseva MM, Cook HT, Botto M, Malik TH, Pickering MC. Partial Complement Factor H Deficiency Associates with C3 Glomerulopathy and Thrombotic Microangiopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 27:1334-42. [PMID: 26374608 PMCID: PMC4849824 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015030295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement-mediated renal diseases C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) strongly associate with inherited and acquired abnormalities in the regulation of the complement alternative pathway (AP). The major negative regulator of the AP is the plasma protein complement factor H (FH). Abnormalities in FH result in uncontrolled activation of C3 through the AP and associate with susceptibility to both C3G and aHUS. Although previously developed FH-deficient animal models have provided important insights into the mechanisms underlying susceptibility to these unique phenotypes, these models do not entirely reproduce the clinical observations. FH is predominantly synthesized in the liver. We generated mice with hepatocyte-specific FH deficiency and showed that these animals have reduced plasma FH levels with secondary reduction in plasma C3. Unlike mice with complete FH deficiency, hepatocyte-specific FH-deficient animals developed neither plasma C5 depletion nor accumulation of C3 along the glomerular basement membrane. In contrast, subtotal FH deficiency associated with mesangial C3 accumulation consistent with C3G. Although there was no evidence of spontaneous thrombotic microangiopathy, the hepatocyte-specific FH-deficient animals developed severe C5-dependent thrombotic microangiopathy after induction of complement activation within the kidney by accelerated serum nephrotoxic nephritis. Taken together, our data indicate that subtotal FH deficiency can give rise to either spontaneous C3G or aHUS after a complement-activating trigger within the kidney and that the latter is C5 dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Vernon
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marieta M Ruseva
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Terence Cook
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Botto
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Talat H Malik
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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43
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Borza DB. Alternative Pathway Dysregulation and the Conundrum of Complement Activation by IgG4 Immune Complexes in Membranous Nephropathy. Front Immunol 2016; 7:157. [PMID: 27199983 PMCID: PMC4842769 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN), a major cause of nephrotic syndrome, is a non-inflammatory immune kidney disease mediated by IgG antibodies that form glomerular subepithelial immune complexes. In primary MN, autoantibodies target proteins expressed on the podocyte surface, often phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R1). Pathology is driven by complement activation, leading to podocyte injury and proteinuria. This article overviews the mechanisms of complement activation and regulation in MN, addressing the paradox that anti-PLA2R1 and other antibodies causing primary MN are predominantly (but not exclusively) IgG4, an IgG subclass that does not fix complement. Besides immune complexes, alterations of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) in MN may lead to impaired regulation of the alternative pathway (AP). The AP amplifies complement activation on surfaces insufficiently protected by complement regulatory proteins. Whereas podocytes are protected by cell-bound regulators, the GBM must recruit plasma factor H, which inhibits the AP on host surfaces carrying certain polyanions, such as heparan sulfate (HS) chains. Because HS chains present in the normal GBM are lost in MN, we posit that the local complement regulation by factor H may be impaired as a result. Thus, the loss of GBM HS in MN creates a micro-environment that promotes local amplification of complement activation, which in turn may be initiated via the classical or lectin pathways by subsets of IgG in immune complexes. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms of complement activation and dysregulation in MN is important for designing more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorin-Bogdan Borza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
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Fakhouri F. [Clinical approach to primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis]. Nephrol Ther 2016; 12 Suppl 1:S65-9. [PMID: 26972096 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis represent a heterogeneous group of nephropathies. During the last five years, our understanding of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis has greatly improved. Animal models and the study of complement genetics led to the dissection of the physiopathology of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, to the individualization of a new entity, C3 glomerulopathy, and to a new classification of these nephropathies. The study of large cohorts has also changed the clinical picture of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis that has been long dominated by the severity of a single type of dense deposits disease. Finally, the rediscovery of complement through the study of the atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome and the availability in clinical practice of complement inhibitors have paved the way for new therapeutic approaches of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Fakhouri
- Service de néphrologie et d'immunologie, CHU de Nantes, 1, place Alexis-Ricordeau, 44000 Nantes, France; Inserm UMR S-1064, 30, boulevard Jean-Monnet, 44093 Nantes cedex 01, France; Institut de transplantation urologie-néphrologie (Itun), 30, boulevard Jean-Monnet, 44093 Nantes cedex 01, France.
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Abstract
Biological therapeutics (biologics) that target autoimmune responses and inflammatory injury pathways have a marked beneficial impact on the management of many chronic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis. Accumulating data suggest that a growing number of renal diseases result from autoimmune injury - including lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis, autoimmune (formerly idiopathic) membranous nephropathy, anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis, and C3 nephropathy - and one can speculate that biologics might also be applicable to these diseases. As many autoimmune renal diseases are relatively uncommon, with long natural histories and diverse outcomes, clinical trials that aim to validate potentially useful biologics are difficult to design and/or perform. Some excellent consortia are undertaking cohort studies and clinical trials, but more multicentre international collaborations are needed to advance the introduction of new biologics to patients with autoimmune renal disorders. This Review discusses the key molecules that direct injurious inflammation and the biologics that are available to modulate them. The opportunities and challenges for the introduction of relevant biologics into treatment protocols for autoimmune renal diseases are also discussed.
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Häffner K, Michelfelder S, Pohl M. Successful therapy of C3Nef-positive C3 glomerulopathy with plasma therapy and immunosuppression. Pediatr Nephrol 2015; 30:1951-9. [PMID: 25986912 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-015-3111-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND C3 glomerulopathies (C3G) are characterized by uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway of complement. In most patients these diseases progress towards end-stage renal disease, and the risk of recurrence after renal transplantation is high. In the majority of patients, only antibodies against the C3 convertase, termed C3Nef, can be found as a potential pathogenic factor. Although a large variety of therapeutic approaches have been used, no generally accepted therapy exists. METHODS In four consecutive patients with C3G in whom all known complement factor mutations were excluded and only C3Nef could be identified as a potential cause of disease, a multimodal therapeutic regimen with plasma therapy, corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil was used. RESULTS The multimodal regimen achieved normalization of renal function in all four patients, with complete remission in two patients and a distinct reduction of proteinuria in the other two patients. The single patient with C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and marked terminal complement complex elevation only showed partial remission; further improvement was achieved following the addition of eculizumab to the therapeutic regimen. Repeatedly measured C3Nef levels did not correlate with disease course or therapeutic response in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS As this multimodal therapeutic approach was effective in all four treated patients with suspected autoimmune etiology of C3G, it offers a treatment option for severely affected patients with this rare disease until more specific regimens are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Häffner
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Mathildenstr. 1, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Stefan Michelfelder
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Mathildenstr. 1, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Pohl
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Mathildenstr. 1, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
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Oosterveld MJS, Garrelfs MR, Hoppe B, Florquin S, Roelofs JJTH, van den Heuvel LP, Amann K, Davin JC, Bouts AHM, Schriemer PJ, Groothoff JW. Eculizumab in Pediatric Dense Deposit Disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 10:1773-82. [PMID: 26316621 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.01360215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dense deposit disease (DDD), a subtype of C3 glomerulopathy, is a rare disease affecting mostly children. Treatment options are limited. Debate exists whether eculizumab, a monoclonal antibody against complement factor C5, is effective in DDD. Reported data are scarce, especially in children. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS The authors analyzed clinical and histologic data of five pediatric patients with a native kidney biopsy diagnosis of DDD. Patients received eculizumab as therapy of last resort for severe nephritic or nephrotic syndrome with alternative pathway complement activation; this therapy was given only when the patients had not or only marginally responded to immunosuppressive therapy. Outcome measures were kidney function, proteinuria, and urine analysis. RESULTS In all, seven disease episodes were treated with eculizumab (six episodes of severe nephritic syndrome [two of which required dialysis] and one nephrotic syndrome episode). Median age at treatment start was 8.4 (range, 5.9-13) years. For three treatment episodes, eculizumab was the sole immunosuppressive treatment. In all patients, both proteinuria and renal function improved significantly within 12 weeks of treatment (median urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio of 8.5 [range, 2.2-17] versus 1.1 [range, 0.2-2.0] g/g, P<0.005, and eGFR of 58 [range, 17-114] versus 77 [range, 50-129] ml/min per 1.73 m(2), P<0.01). A striking finding was the disappearance of leukocyturia within 1 week after the first eculizumab dose in all five episodes with leukocyturia at treatment initiation. CONCLUSIONS In this case series of pediatric patients with DDD, eculizumab treatment was associated with reduction in proteinuria and increase in eGFR. Leukocyturia resolved within 1 week of initiation of eculizumab treatment. These results underscore the need for a randomized trial of eculizumab in DDD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bernd Hoppe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandrine Florquin
- Department of Pathology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris J T H Roelofs
- Department of Pathology, Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L P van den Heuvel
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Kerstin Amann
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Ruseva MM, Peng T, Lasaro MA, Bouchard K, Liu-Chen S, Sun F, Yu ZX, Marozsan A, Wang Y, Pickering MC. Efficacy of Targeted Complement Inhibition in Experimental C3 Glomerulopathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 27:405-16. [PMID: 26047789 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2014121195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
C3 glomerulopathy refers to renal disorders characterized by abnormal accumulation of C3 within the kidney, commonly along the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). C3 glomerulopathy is associated with complement alternative pathway dysregulation, which includes functional defects in complement regulator factor H (FH). There is no effective treatment for C3 glomerulopathy. We investigated the efficacy of a recombinant mouse protein composed of domains from complement receptor 2 (CR2) and FH (CR2-FH) in two models of C3 glomerulopathy with either preexisting or triggered C3 deposition along the GBM. FH-deficient mice spontaneously develop renal pathology associated with abnormal C3 accumulation along the GBM and secondary plasma C3 deficiency. CR2-FH partially restored plasma C3 levels in FH-deficient mice 2 hours after intravenous injection. CR2-FH specifically targeted glomerular C3 deposits, reduced the linear C3 reactivity assessed with anti-C3 and anti-C3b/iC3b/C3c antibodies, and prevented further spontaneous accumulation of C3 fragments along the GBM. Reduction in glomerular C3d and C9/C5b-9 reactivity was observed after daily administration of CR2-FH for 1 week. In a second mouse model with combined deficiency of FH and complement factor I, CR2-FH prevented de novo C3 deposition along the GBM. These data show that CR2-FH protects the GBM from both spontaneous and triggered C3 deposition in vivo and indicate that this approach should be tested in C3 glomerulopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieta M Ruseva
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Tao Peng
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut
| | | | | | | | - Fang Sun
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut
| | - Zhao-Xue Yu
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut
| | | | - Yi Wang
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Cheshire, Connecticut
| | - Matthew C Pickering
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and
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IgM exacerbates glomerular disease progression in complement-induced glomerulopathy. Kidney Int 2015; 88:528-37. [PMID: 25945405 PMCID: PMC4556608 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
While glomerular IgM deposition occurs in a variety of glomerular diseases the mechanism of deposition and its clinical significance remain controversial. Some have theorized IgM becomes passively trapped in areas of glomerulosclerosis. However, recent studies found that IgM specifically binds damaged glomeruli. Therefore, we tested whether natural IgM binds to neo-epitopes exposed after insults to the glomerulus and exacerbate disease in mice deficient in the complement regulatory protein factor H; a model of non-sclerotic and nonimmune-complex glomerular disease. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated mesangial and capillary loop deposition of IgM while ultrastructural analysis found IgM deposition on endothelial cells and subendothelial areas. Factor H deficient mice lacking B cells were protected from renal damage, as evidenced by milder histologic lesions on light and electron microscopy. IgM, but not IgG, from wild-type mice bound to cultured murine mesangial cells. Furthermore, injection of purified IgM into mice lacking B cells bound within the glomeruli and induced proteinuria. A monoclonal natural IgM recognizing phospholipids also bound to glomeruli in vivo and induced albuminuria. Thus, our results indicate specific IgM antibodies bind to glomerular epitopes and that IgM contributes to the progression of glomerular damage in this mouse model of non-sclerotic glomerular disease.
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