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Peritoneal mesothelial cells produce complement factors and express CD59 that inhibits C5b-9-mediated cell lysis

G Barbano1, F Cappa, I Prigione

  • 1Nephrology Department, G. Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy.

Insights

Mesothelial cells (MCs) express CD59, protecting them from complement-mediated lysis during chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD). MCs also produce complement components, influencing peritoneal cavity health.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Complement (C) activation and C5b-9 generation occur in the peritoneal cavity during chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD).
  • Mesothelial cells (MCs) are crucial for peritoneal membrane integrity.
  • The role of CD59 and complement production by MCs in CPD is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate CD59 expression on MCs.
  • To examine complement component production by MCs.
  • To determine the functional significance of CD59 on MCs in the context of complement-mediated lysis.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured MC lines from children on CPD and non-uremic children.
  • Immunohistochemical staining using anti-CD59 monoclonal antibody (mAb).
  • Western blotting to confirm CD59 presence.
  • Assessment of MC cytotoxicity after incubation with anti-CD59 mAb.
  • Detection of complement components in MC supernatants using immunoassays.

Main Results:

  • All MC lines expressed CD59 on their surface.
  • Western blotting confirmed the presence of CD59 in MC membranes.
  • Blocking CD59 with anti-CD59 mAb resulted in 100% MC lysis.
  • MCs produced C3, C4, and C6; non-uremic MCs also produced C5, C7, C8, and C9, with higher C4 concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • CD59 expression on MCs provides protection against C5b-9-mediated lysis.
  • MCs are capable of producing various complement components.
  • These findings suggest a role for MC CD59 and complement production in protecting the peritoneal membrane from infection and damage during CPD.

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