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CD59 expressed by human endothelial cells functions as a protective molecule against complement-mediated lysis
R A Brooimans1, A A Van der Ark, M Tomita
1Department of Nephrology, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Immunology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
CD59 (Complement component 1 inhibitor) protects human endothelial cells from complement-mediated damage. Blocking CD59 increases cell susceptibility to lysis, highlighting its role in maintaining vascular integrity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Complement System
Background:
- CD59 is a complement regulatory protein that prevents membrane attack complex formation.
- Endothelial cells are crucial for vascular integrity and can be targets of complement-mediated damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of CD59 on human endothelial cells.
- To determine CD59's role in protecting endothelial cells from complement-mediated lysis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry on renal cortex.
- Flow cytometry on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).
- SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and Northern blotting.
- Functional assays using anti-CD59 antibodies and complement.
Main Results:
- CD59 is expressed on endothelial cells in the renal cortex and on HUVEC.
- CD59 is GPI-anchored to the endothelial cell membrane.
- Blocking CD59 significantly increased HUVEC susceptibility to complement-mediated lysis.
- Multiple CD59 mRNA transcripts were detected in HUVEC.
Conclusions:
- CD59 is expressed on human endothelial cells and functions to protect them from complement-mediated damage.
- CD59 plays a vital role in maintaining vascular integrity at sites of inflammation.
- Targeting CD59 could have implications for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases affecting vasculature.