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Complement-targeted therapy: development of C5- and C5a-targeted inhibition
Takahiko Horiuchi1, Hiroshi Tsukamoto2
1Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Beppu, Japan.
Inflammation and Regeneration
|December 21, 2017
Summary
The complement system, crucial for immunity, can be targeted by new therapies. Agents blocking complement activation, like anti-C5 antibodies, show promise for treating inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The complement system is a key part of innate and humoral immunity.
- It comprises three activation pathways (classical, alternative, lectin) converging at C3 activation.
- This process generates anaphylatoxins (e.g., C5a) and the membrane attack complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the complement system in immunity.
- To discuss emerging anti-complementary agents for inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of complement system pathways and therapeutic agents.
- Analysis of existing data on C1 inhibitors, anti-C5 monoclonal antibodies, and C5a receptor antagonists.
Main Results:
- C1 inhibitors (C1-INH) were historically used.
- Anti-C5 monoclonal antibody (eculizumab) has shown encouraging results.
- A C5a receptor (C5aR) antagonist is in clinical trials and expected to be effective.
Conclusions:
- Anti-complement agents represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
- These agents hold potential for managing refractory inflammatory conditions.
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