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Seccia TM, Rossitto G, Rossi GP. A Worrying and Puzzling Case of Hypertension Presenting to the Emergency Department. Hypertension 2024; 81:1179-1185. [PMID: 38748766 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Seccia
- Internal Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Specialized Center for Blood Pressure Disorders-Regione Veneto, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossitto
- Internal Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Specialized Center for Blood Pressure Disorders-Regione Veneto, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Rossi
- Internal Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Specialized Center for Blood Pressure Disorders-Regione Veneto, Italy
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Zanchi C, Locatelli M, Cerullo D, Aumiller V, Corna D, Rottoli D, Schubert S, Noris M, Tomasoni S, Remuzzi G, Zoja C, Benigni A. Efficacy of GalNAc C3 siRNAs in factor H-deficient mice with C3 glomerulopathy. Mol Immunol 2024; 168:10-16. [PMID: 38368725 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.02.010] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Complement alternative pathway (AP) dysregulation drives C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a rare renal disorder characterized by glomerular C3 deposition and glomerular damage, for which no effective treatments are available. Blockade of complement C3 is emerging as a viable therapeutic option. In an earlier study we showed that SLN500, a small interfering RNA targeting liver C3 synthesis, was able to limit AP dysregulation and glomerular C3d deposits in mice with partial factor H (FH) deficiency (Cfh+/- mice). Here, we assessed the pharmacological effects of SLN501 - an optimized SLN500 version - in mice with complete FH deficiency (Cfh-/- mice) that exhibit a more severe C3G phenotype. SLN501 effectively prevented liver C3 synthesis, thus limiting AP dysregulation, glomerular C3d deposits and the development of ultrastructural alterations. These data provide firm evidence of the use of siRNA-mediated liver C3 gene silencing as a potential therapy for treating C3G patients with either partial or complete FH loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zanchi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Locatelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Corna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Rottoli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Susanna Tomasoni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlamaria Zoja
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy.
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Sándor N, Schneider AE, Matola AT, Barbai VH, Bencze D, Hammad HH, Papp A, Kövesdi D, Uzonyi B, Józsi M. The human factor H protein family - an update. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1135490. [PMID: 38410512 PMCID: PMC10894998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1135490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Complement is an ancient and complex network of the immune system and, as such, it plays vital physiological roles, but it is also involved in numerous pathological processes. The proper regulation of the complement system is important to allow its sufficient and targeted activity without deleterious side-effects. Factor H is a major complement regulator, and together with its splice variant factor H-like protein 1 and the five human factor H-related (FHR) proteins, they have been linked to various diseases. The role of factor H in inhibiting complement activation is well studied, but the function of the FHRs is less characterized. Current evidence supports the main role of the FHRs as enhancers of complement activation and opsonization, i.e., counter-balancing the inhibitory effect of factor H. FHRs emerge as soluble pattern recognition molecules and positive regulators of the complement system. In addition, factor H and some of the FHR proteins were shown to modulate the activity of immune cells, a non-canonical function outside the complement cascade. Recent efforts have intensified to study factor H and the FHRs and develop new tools for the distinction, quantification and functional characterization of members of this protein family. Here, we provide an update and overview on the versatile roles of factor H family proteins, what we know about their biological functions in healthy conditions and in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Sándor
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Veronika H. Barbai
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Bencze
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hani Hashim Hammad
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Papp
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Kövesdi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Uzonyi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Complement Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
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Noris M, Remuzzi G. C3G and Ig-MPGN-treatment standard. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2024; 39:202-214. [PMID: 37604793 PMCID: PMC10828209 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the broad spectrum of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), immunofluorescence distinguishes C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), with predominant C3 deposits, and immunoglobulin-associated MPGN (Ig-MPGN), with combined C3 and Ig. However, there are several intersections between C3G and Ig-MPGN. Primary C3G and Ig-MPGN share the same prevalence of low serum C3 levels and of abnormalities of the alternative pathway of complement, and patients who present a bioptic pattern of Ig-MPGN at onset may show a C3G pattern in a subsequent biopsy. There is no specific therapy for primary C3G and Ig-MPGN and prognosis is unfavourable. The only recommended indications are inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, lipid-lowering agents and other renoprotective agents. The other drugs used currently, such as corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, are often ineffective. The anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab has been tested in several patients, with mixed results. One reason for the uncertainty is the extremely variable clinical course, most likely reflecting a heterogeneous pathogenesis. An unsupervised clustering analysis that included histologic, biochemical, genetic and clinical data available at onset in patients with primary C3G and Ig-MPGN identified four clusters characterized by specific pathogenic mechanisms. This approach may facilitate accurate diagnosis and development of targeted therapies. Several trials are ongoing with drugs targeting different molecules of the complement cascade, however it is important to consider which component of the cascade may be the most appropriate for each patient. We review the current standards of treatment and discuss novel developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, outcome prediction and management of C3G and Ig-MPGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases Aldo e Cele Daccò Ranica, Bergamo, Italy
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Lasorsa F, Rutigliano M, Milella M, Ferro M, Pandolfo SD, Crocetto F, Simone S, Gesualdo L, Battaglia M, Ditonno P, Lucarelli G. Complement System and the Kidney: Its Role in Renal Diseases, Kidney Transplantation and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16515. [PMID: 38003705 PMCID: PMC10671650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk among the complement system, immune cells, and mediators of inflammation provides an efficient mechanism to protect the organism against infections and support the repair of damaged tissues. Alterations in this complex machinery play a role in the pathogenesis of different diseases. Core complement proteins C3 and C5, their activation fragments, their receptors, and their regulators have been shown to be active intracellularly as the complosome. The kidney is particularly vulnerable to complement-induced damage, and emerging findings have revealed the role of complement system dysregulation in a wide range of kidney disorders, including glomerulopathies and ischemia-reperfusion injury during kidney transplantation. Different studies have shown that activation of the complement system is an important component of tumorigenesis and its elements have been proved to be present in the TME of various human malignancies. The role of the complement system in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been recently explored. Clear cell and papillary RCC upregulate most of the complement genes relative to normal kidney tissue. The aim of this narrative review is to provide novel insights into the role of complement in kidney disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lasorsa
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Rutigliano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Martina Milella
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 71013 Milan, Italy
| | - Savio Domenico Pandolfo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Simone
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Battaglia
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ditonno
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Rajasekaran A, Green TJ, Renfrow MB, Julian BA, Novak J, Rizk DV. Current Understanding of Complement Proteins as Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy. Drugs 2023; 83:1475-1499. [PMID: 37747686 PMCID: PMC10807511 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01940-2] [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] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a frequent cause of kidney failure. Currently, the diagnosis necessitates a kidney biopsy, with routine immunofluorescence microscopy revealing IgA as the dominant or co-dominant immunoglobulin in the glomerular immuno-deposits, often with IgG and sometimes IgM or both. Complement protein C3 is observed in most cases. IgAN leads to kidney failure in 20-40% of patients within 20 years of diagnosis and reduces average life expectancy by about 10 years. There is increasing clinical, biochemical, and genetic evidence that the complement system plays a paramount role in the pathogenesis of IgAN. The presence of C3 in the kidney immuno-deposits differentiates the diagnosis of IgAN from subclinical glomerular mesangial IgA deposition. Markers of complement activation via the lectin and alternative pathways in kidney-biopsy specimens are associated with disease activity and are predictive of poor outcome. Levels of select complement proteins in the circulation have also been assessed in patients with IgAN and found to be of prognostic value. Ongoing genetic studies have identified at least 30 loci associated with IgAN. Genes within some of these loci encode complement-system regulating proteins that can interact with immune complexes. The growing appreciation for the central role of complement components in IgAN pathogenesis highlighted these pathways as potential treatment targets and sparked great interest in pharmacological agents targeting the complement cascade for the treatment of IgAN, as evidenced by the plethora of ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Rajasekaran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Todd J Green
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Matthew B Renfrow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bruce A Julian
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jan Novak
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dana V Rizk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Zanchi C, Locatelli M, Corna D, Cerullo D, Fishilevich E, Desai D, Rottoli D, Donadelli R, Noris M, Zoja C, Remuzzi G, Benigni A. Liver factor B silencing to cure C3 glomerulopathy: Evidence from a mouse model of complement dysregulation. Mol Immunol 2023; 161:25-32. [PMID: 37481826 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.07.010] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement, due to genetic and/or acquired defects, plays a primary pathogenetic role in C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a rare and heterogeneous disease characterised by predominant C3 fragment deposition within the glomerulus, as well as glomerular damage. There are currently no approved disease-specific treatments for C3G, but new drugs that directly counteract AP dysregulation, targeting components of the pathway, have opened promising new perspectives for managing the disease. Complement factor B (FB), which is primarily synthesised by hepatocytes, is a key component of the AP, as it drives the central amplification loop of the complement system. In this study we used a GalNAc (N-Acetylgalactosamine)-conjugated siRNA to selectively target and suppress liver FB expression in two mouse models characterised by the complete (Cfh-/- mice) or partial (Cfh+/-) loss of function of complement factor H (FH). Homozygous deletion of FH induced a severe C3G phenotype, with strong dysregulation of the AP of complement, glomerular C3 deposition and almost complete C3 consumption. Mice with a heterozygous deletion of FH had intermediate C3 levels and exhibited slower disease progression, resembling human C3G more closely. Here we showed that FB siRNA treatment did not improve serum C3 levels, nor limit glomerular C3 deposition in Cfh-/- mice, while it did normalise circulating C3 levels, reduce glomerular C3 deposits, and limit mesangial electron-dense deposits in Cfh+/- mice. The present data provide important insights into the potential benefits and limitations of FB-targeted inhibition strategies and suggest RNA interference-mediated FB silencing in the liver as a possible therapeutic approach for treating C3G patients with FH haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zanchi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Monica Locatelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Domenico Cerullo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Dhruv Desai
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Rottoli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Donadelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marina Noris
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlamaria Zoja
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Centro Anna Maria Astori Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy.
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