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Wei Y, Guo J, Meng T, Gao T, Mai Y, Zuo W, Yang J. The potential application of complement inhibitors-loaded nanosystem for autoimmune diseases via regulation immune balance. J Drug Target 2024; 32:485-498. [PMID: 38491993 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2332730] [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] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The complement is an important arm of the innate immune system, once activated, the complement system rapidly generates large quantities of protein fragments that are potent mediators of inflammation. Recent studies have shown that over-activated complement is the main proinflammatory system of autoimmune diseases (ADs). In addition, activated complements interact with autoantibodies, immune cells exacerbate inflammation, further worsening ADs. With the increasing threat of ADs to human health, complement-based immunotherapy has attracted wide attention. Nevertheless, efficient and targeted delivery of complement inhibitors remains a significant challenge owing to their inherent poor targeting, degradability, and low bioavailability. Nanosystems offer innovative solutions to surmount these obstacles and amplify the potency of complement inhibitors. This prime aim to present the current knowledge of complement in ADs, analyse the function of complement in the pathogenesis and treatment of ADs, we underscore the current situation of nanosystems assisting complement inhibitors in the treatment of ADs. Considering technological, physiological, and clinical validation challenges, we critically appraise the challenges for successfully translating the findings of preclinical studies of these nanosystem assisted-complement inhibitors into the clinic, and future perspectives were also summarised. (The graphical abstract is by BioRender.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaya Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jueshuo Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Tingting Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yaping Mai
- School of Science and Technology Centers, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wenbao Zuo
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jianhong Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Sloan M, Wincup C, Harwood R, Pollak TA, Massou E, Bosley M, Pitkanen M, Zandi MS, Leschziner G, Barrere C, Ubhi M, Andreoli L, Brimicombe J, Diment W, Jayne D, Gordon C, Naughton F, D’Cruz D. Prevalence and identification of neuropsychiatric symptoms in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases: an international mixed methods study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1259-1272. [PMID: 37491699 PMCID: PMC11065444 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A limited range of neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), with varied symptom prevalence. This study aimed to investigate a wider range of potential symptoms than previous studies, compare patient self-reports with clinician estimates, and explore barriers to symptom identification. METHODS Mixed methods were used. Data from SARDs patients (n = 1853) were compared with controls (n = 463) and clinicians (n = 289). In-depth interviews (n = 113) were analysed thematically. Statistical tests compared means of survey items between patients and controls, 8 different SARD groups, and clinician specialities. RESULTS Self-reported lifetime prevalences of all 30 neuropsychiatric symptoms investigated (including cognitive, sensorimotor and psychiatric) were significantly higher in SARDs than controls. Validated instruments assessed 55% of SARDs patients as currently having depression and 57% anxiety. Barriers to identifying neuropsychiatric symptoms included: (i) limits to knowledge, guidelines, objective tests and inter-speciality cooperation; (ii) subjectivity, invisibility and believability of symptoms; and (iii) under-eliciting, under-reporting and under-documenting. A lower proportion of clinicians (4%) reported never/rarely asking patients about mental health symptoms than the 74% of patients who reported never/rarely being asked in clinic (P < 0.001). Over 50% of SARDs patients had never/rarely reported their mental health symptoms to clinicians, a proportion underestimated at <10% by clinicians (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Neuropsychiatric symptom self-reported prevalences are significantly higher in SARDs than controls, and are greatly underestimated by most clinicians. Research relying on medical records and current guidelines is unlikely to accurately reflect patients' experiences of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Improved inter-speciality communication and greater patient involvement is needed in SARD care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Sloan
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chris Wincup
- Department of Rheumatology, King’s College Hospital London, London, UK
| | - Rupert Harwood
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Thomas A Pollak
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, and SLAM NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Efhalia Massou
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Mervi Pitkanen
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, and SLAM NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael S Zandi
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Guy Leschziner
- Department of Neurology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Mandeep Ubhi
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - James Brimicombe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Caroline Gordon
- Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Felix Naughton
- Behavioural and Implementation Science Group, School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - David D’Cruz
- The Louise Coote Lupus Unit, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Zelek WM, Bevan RJ, Morgan BP. Targeting terminal pathway reduces brain complement activation, amyloid load and synapse loss, and improves cognition in a mouse model of dementia. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:355-363. [PMID: 38485063 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.017] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Complement is dysregulated in the brain in Alzheimer's Disease and in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Each of the complement derived effectors, opsonins, anaphylatoxins and membrane attack complex (MAC), have been implicated as drivers of disease but their relative contributions remain unclarified. Here we have focussed on the MAC, a lytic and pro-inflammatory effector, in the AppNL-G-F mouse amyloidopathy model. To test the role of MAC, we back-crossed to generate AppNL-G-F mice deficient in C7, an essential MAC component. C7 deficiency ablated MAC formation, reduced synapse loss and amyloid load and improved cognition compared to complement-sufficient AppNL-G-F mice at 8-10 months age. Adding back C7 caused increased MAC formation in brain and an acute loss of synapses in C7-deficient AppNL-G-F mice. To explore whether C7 was a viable therapeutic target, a C7-blocking monoclonal antibody was administered systemically for one month in AppNL-G-F mice aged 8-9 months. Treatment reduced brain MAC and amyloid deposition, increased synapse density and improved cognitive performance compared to isotype control-treated AppNL-G-F mice. The findings implicate MAC as a driver of pathology and highlight the potential for complement inhibition at the level of MAC as a therapy in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioleta M Zelek
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF14 4XN, United Kingdom.
| | - Ryan J Bevan
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
| | - Bryan Paul Morgan
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF14 4XN, United Kingdom.
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4
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Nimmo J, Byrne R, Daskoulidou N, Watkins L, Carpanini S, Zelek W, Morgan B. The complement system in neurodegenerative diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:387-412. [PMID: 38505993 PMCID: PMC10958133 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230513] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Complement is an important component of innate immune defence against pathogens and crucial for efficient immune complex disposal. These core protective activities are dependent in large part on properly regulated complement-mediated inflammation. Dysregulated complement activation, often driven by persistence of activating triggers, is a cause of pathological inflammation in numerous diseases, including neurological diseases. Increasingly, this has become apparent not only in well-recognized neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis but also in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases where inflammation was previously either ignored or dismissed as a secondary event. There is now a large and rapidly growing body of evidence implicating complement in neurological diseases that cannot be comprehensively addressed in a brief review. Here, we will focus on neurodegenerative diseases, including not only the 'classical' neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, but also two other neurological diseases where neurodegeneration is a neglected feature and complement is implicated, namely, schizophrenia, a neurodevelopmental disorder with many mechanistic features of neurodegeneration, and multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating disorder where neurodegeneration is a major cause of progressive decline. We will discuss the evidence implicating complement as a driver of pathology in these diverse diseases and address briefly the potential and pitfalls of anti-complement drug therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Nimmo
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
| | - Robert A.J. Byrne
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
| | - Nikoleta Daskoulidou
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
| | - Lewis M. Watkins
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
| | - Sarah M. Carpanini
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
| | - Wioleta M. Zelek
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
| | - B. Paul Morgan
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, U.K
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5
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Mastellos DC, Hajishengallis G, Lambris JD. A guide to complement biology, pathology and therapeutic opportunity. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:118-141. [PMID: 37670180 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement has long been considered a key innate immune effector system that mediates host defence and tissue homeostasis. Yet, growing evidence has illuminated a broader involvement of complement in fundamental biological processes extending far beyond its traditional realm in innate immunity. Complement engages in intricate crosstalk with multiple pattern-recognition and signalling pathways both in the extracellular and intracellular space. Besides modulating host-pathogen interactions, this crosstalk guides early developmental processes and distinct cell trajectories, shaping tissue immunometabolic and regenerative programmes in different physiological systems. This Review provides a guide to the system-wide functions of complement. It highlights illustrative paradigm shifts that have reshaped our understanding of complement pathobiology, drawing examples from evolution, development of the central nervous system, tissue regeneration and cancer immunity. Despite its tight spatiotemporal regulation, complement activation can be derailed, fuelling inflammatory tissue pathology. The pervasive contribution of complement to disease pathophysiology has inspired a resurgence of complement therapeutics with major clinical developments, some of which have challenged long-held dogmas. We thus highlight major therapeutic concepts and milestones in clinical complement intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Hajishengallis
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Kong AHY, Wu AJ, Ho OKY, Leung MMK, Huang AS, Yu Y, Zhang G, Lyu A, Li M, Cheung KH. Exploring the Potential of Aptamers in Targeting Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11780. [PMID: 37511539 PMCID: PMC10380291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is the precursor for several neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Targeting neuroinflammation has emerged as a promising strategy to address a wide range of CNS pathologies. These NDDs still present significant challenges in terms of limited and ineffective diagnosis and treatment options, driving the need to explore innovative and novel therapeutic alternatives. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids that offer the potential for addressing these challenges through diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this review, we summarize diagnostic and therapeutic aptamers for inflammatory biomolecules, as well as the inflammatory cells in NDDs. We also discussed the potential of short nucleotides for Aptamer-Based Targeted Brain Delivery through their unique features and modifications, as well as their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, the unprecedented opportunities and substantial challenges of using aptamers as therapeutic agents, such as drug efficacy, safety considerations, and pharmacokinetics, are also discussed. Taken together, this review assesses the potential of aptamers as a pioneering approach for target delivery to the CNS and the treatment of neuroinflammation and NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hau-Yee Kong
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aston Jiaxi Wu
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Olivia Ka-Yi Ho
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maggie Ming-Ki Leung
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alexis Shiying Huang
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-Based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-Based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aiping Lyu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-Based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Li
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - King-Ho Cheung
- Teaching and Research Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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7
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Parsons NB, Annamalai B, Rohrer B. Regulatable Complement Inhibition of the Alternative Pathway Mitigates Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathology in a Mouse Model. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:17. [PMID: 37462980 PMCID: PMC10362922 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.7.17] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Risk for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is linked to an overactive complement system. In the mouse model of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), elevated levels of complement effector molecules, including complement C3, have been identified, and the alternative pathway (AP) is required for pathology. The main soluble AP regular is complement factor H (fH). We have previously shown that AP inhibition via subretinal AAV-mediated delivery of CR2-fH using a constitutive promoter is efficacious in reducing CNV. Here we ask whether the C3 promoter (pC3) effectively drives CR2-fH bioavailability for gene therapy. Methods Truncated pC3 was used to generate plasmids pC3-mCherry/CR2-fH followed by production of corresponding AAV5 vectors. pC3 activation was determined in transiently transfected ARPE-19 cells stimulated with H2O2 or normal human serum (+/- antioxidant or humanized CR2-fH, respectively). CNV was analyzed in C57BL/6J mice treated subretinally with AAV5-pC3-mCherry/CR2-fH using imaging (optical coherence tomography [OCT] and fundus imaging), functional (electroretinography [ERG]), and molecular (protein expression) readouts. Results Modulation of pC3 in vitro is complement and oxidative stress dependent, as shown by mCherry fluorescence. AAV5-pC3-CR2-fH were identified as safe and effective using OCT and ERG. CR2-fH expression significantly reduced CNV compared to mCherry and was correlated with reduced levels of C3dg/C3d in the retinal pigment epithelium/choroid fraction. Conclusions We conclude that complement-dependent regulation of AP inhibition ameliorates AMD pathology as effectively as using a constitutive promoter. Translational Relevance The goal of anticomplement therapy is to restore homeostatic levels of complement activation, which might be more easily achievable using a self-regulating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel B. Parsons
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, SC, USA
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8
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Chen S, Xing X, Hou X, Zhuang Q, Tan N, Cui Y, Wang J, Zhang M, Hu S, Xiao Y. The molecular pathogenesis of achalasia: a paired lower esophageal sphincter muscle and serum 4D label-free proteomic study. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2023; 11:goad031. [PMID: 37324545 PMCID: PMC10260389 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder with potential molecular pathogenesis remaining uncertain. This study aimed to identify the differentially expressed proteins and potential pathways among achalasia subtypes and controls to further reveal the molecular pathogenesis of achalasia. Methods Paired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle and serum samples from 24 achalasia patients were collected. We also collected 10 normal serum samples from healthy controls and 10 normal LES muscle samples from esophageal cancer patients. The 4D label-free proteomic analysis was performed to identify the potential proteins and pathways involved in achalasia. Results Analysis of Similarities showed distinct proteomic patterns of serum and muscle samples between achalasia patients and controls (both P < 0.05). Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these differentially expressed proteins were immunity-, infection-, inflammation-, and neurodegeneration-associated. The mfuzz analysis in LES specimens showed that proteins involved in the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction increased sequentially between the control group, type III, type II, and type I achalasia. Only 26 proteins altered in the same directions in serum and muscle samples. Conclusions This first 4D label-free proteomic study of achalasia indicated that there were specific protein alterations in both the serum and muscle of achalasia, involving immunity, inflammation, infection, and neurodegeneration pathways. Distinct protein clusters between types I, II, and III revealed the potential molecular pathways associated with different disease stages. Analysis of proteins changed in both muscle and serum samples highlighted the importance of further studies on LES muscle and revealed potential autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xun Hou
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Qianjun Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Niandi Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Mengyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shixian Hu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yinglian Xiao
- Corresponding author. Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P. R. China. Tel: +86-13560172116;
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Stennett A, Friston K, Harris CL, Wollman AJM, Bronowska AK, Madden KS. The case for complement component 5 as a target in neurodegenerative disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:97-109. [PMID: 36786123 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2177532] [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: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Complement-based drug discovery is undergoing a renaissance, empowered by new advances in structural biology, complement biology and drug development. Certain components of the complement pathway, particularly C1q and C3, have been extensively studied in the context of neurodegenerative disease, and established as key therapeutic targets. C5 also has huge therapeutic potential in this arena, with its druggability clearly demonstrated by the success of C5-inhibitor eculizumab. AREAS COVERED We will discuss the evidence supporting C5 as a target in neurodegenerative disease, along with the current progress in developing different classes of C5 inhibitors and the gaps in knowledge that will help progress in the field. EXPERT OPINION Validation of C5 as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disease would represent a major step forward for complement therapeutics research and has the potential to furnish disease-modifying drugs for millions of patients suffering worldwide. Key hurdles that need to be overcome for this to be achieved are understanding how C5a and C5b should be targeted to bring therapeutic benefit and demonstrating the ability to target C5 without creating vulnerability to infection in patients. This requires greater biological elucidation of its precise role in disease pathogenesis, supported by better chemical/biological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Stennett
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Kallie Friston
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Claire L Harris
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Adam J M Wollman
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Agnieszka K Bronowska
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Katrina S Madden
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, NE1 7RU, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, NE2 4HH, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
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10
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Burgelman M, Dujardin P, Vandendriessche C, Vandenbroucke RE. Free complement and complement containing extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1055050. [PMID: 36741417 PMCID: PMC9896008 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is implicated in a broad range of neuroinflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Consequently, measuring complement levels in biofluids could serve as a potential biomarker for these diseases. Indeed, complement levels are shown to be altered in patients compared to controls, and some studies reported a correlation between the level of free complement in biofluids and disease progression, severity or the response to therapeutics. Overall, they are not (yet) suitable as a diagnostic tool due to heterogeneity of reported results. Moreover, measurement of free complement proteins has the disadvantage that information on their origin is lost, which might be of value in a multi-parameter approach for disease prediction and stratification. In light of this, extracellular vesicles (EVs) could provide a platform to improve the diagnostic power of complement proteins. EVs are nanosized double membrane particles that are secreted by essentially every cell type and resemble the (status of the) cell of origin. Interestingly, EVs can contain complement proteins, while the cellular origin can still be determined by the presence of EV surface markers. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and future opportunities on the use of free and EV-associated complement proteins as biomarkers for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Burgelman
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Dujardin
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charysse Vandendriessche
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,*Correspondence: Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke,
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11
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Schubart A, Flohr S, Junt T, Eder J. Low-molecular weight inhibitors of the alternative complement pathway. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:339-357. [PMID: 36217774 PMCID: PMC10092480 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway predisposes individuals to a number of diseases. It can either be evoked by genetic alterations in or by stabilizing antibodies to important pathway components and typically leads to severe diseases such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. In addition, the alternative pathway may also be involved in many other diseases where its amplifying function for all complement pathways might play a role. To identify specific alternative pathway inhibitors that qualify as therapeutics for these diseases, drug discovery efforts have focused on the two central proteases of the pathway, factor B and factor D. Although drug discovery has been challenging for a number of reasons, potent and selective low-molecular weight (LMW) oral inhibitors have now been discovered for both proteases and several molecules are in clinical development for multiple complement-mediated diseases. While the clinical development of these inhibitors initially focuses on diseases with systemic and/or peripheral tissue complement activation, the availability of LMW inhibitors may also open up the prospect of inhibiting complement in the central nervous system where its activation may also play an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schubart
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Flohr
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Junt
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Eder
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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Zarantonello A, Revel M, Grunenwald A, Roumenina LT. C3-dependent effector functions of complement. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:120-138. [PMID: 36271889 PMCID: PMC10092904 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
C3 is the central effector molecule of the complement system, mediating its multiple functions through different binding sites and their corresponding receptors. We will introduce the C3 forms (native C3, C3 [H2 O], and intracellular C3), the C3 fragments C3a, C3b, iC3b, and C3dg/C3d, and the C3 expression sites. To highlight the important role that C3 plays in human biological processes, we will give an overview of the diseases linked to C3 deficiency and to uncontrolled C3 activation. Next, we will present a structural description of C3 activation and of the C3 fragments generated by complement regulation. We will proceed by describing the C3a interaction with the anaphylatoxin receptor, followed by the interactions of opsonins (C3b, iC3b, and C3dg/C3d) with complement receptors, divided into two groups: receptors bearing complement regulatory functions and the effector receptors without complement regulatory activity. We outline the molecular architecture of the receptors, their binding sites on the C3 activation fragments, the cells expressing them, the diversity of their functions, and recent advances. With this review, we aim to give an up-to-date analysis of the processes triggered by C3 activation fragments on different cell types in health and disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zarantonello
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Margot Revel
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anne Grunenwald
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Lubka T Roumenina
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Terminal complement pathway activation drives synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s disease models. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:99. [PMID: 35794654 PMCID: PMC9258209 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement is involved in developmental synaptic pruning and pathological synapse loss in Alzheimer’s disease. It is posited that C1 binding initiates complement activation on synapses; C3 fragments then tag them for microglial phagocytosis. However, the precise mechanisms of complement-mediated synaptic loss remain unclear, and the role of the lytic membrane attack complex (MAC) is unexplored. We here address several knowledge gaps: (i) is complement activated through to MAC at the synapse? (ii) does MAC contribute to synaptic loss? (iii) can MAC inhibition prevent synaptic loss? Novel methods were developed and optimised to quantify C1q, C3 fragments and MAC in total and regional brain homogenates and synaptoneurosomes from WT and AppNL−G−F Alzheimer’s disease model mouse brains at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age. The impact on synapse loss of systemic treatment with a MAC blocking antibody and gene knockout of a MAC component was assessed in Alzheimer’s disease model mice. A significant increase in C1q, C3 fragments and MAC was observed in AppNL−G−F mice compared to controls, increasing with age and severity. Administration of anti-C7 antibody to AppNL−G−F mice modulated synapse loss, reflected by the density of dendritic spines in the vicinity of plaques. Constitutive knockout of C6 significantly reduced synapse loss in 3xTg-AD mice. We demonstrate that complement dysregulation occurs in Alzheimer’s disease mice involving the activation (C1q; C3b/iC3b) and terminal (MAC) pathways in brain areas associated with pathology. Inhibition or ablation of MAC formation reduced synapse loss in two Alzheimer’s disease mouse models, demonstrating that MAC formation is a driver of synapse loss. We suggest that MAC directly damages synapses, analogous to neuromuscular junction destruction in myasthenia gravis.
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Madukwe J. Promising neuroimmune targets and drugs for CNS diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:609-610. [PMID: 35753844 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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