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On the origin and control of C3NeF
1Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse 13210.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Complement 3 nephritic factors (C3NeF) stabilize a key enzyme in the complement system. While present in healthy individuals, their role in glomerulonephritis is still theoretical.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Complement System
Background:
- Nephritic factors are a class of autoantibodies.
- Complement 3 nephritic factor (C3NeF) is the first described nephritic factor.
- C3NeF stabilizes the alternative pathway C3/C5 convertase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and potential role of C3NeF.
- To determine if C3NeF is a product of normal B-cell function.
- To explore the association of C3NeF with glomerulonephritis.
Main Methods:
- Detection of IgG and IgM C3NeF in normal individuals.
- Demonstration of anti-idiotypic antibodies to C3NeF.
- Assessment of internal image anti-idiotypic antibodies in glomerulonephritis patients.
Main Results:
- IgG and IgM C3NeF are found in normal individuals across all age groups.
- Anti-idiotypic antibodies to C3NeF are also present in normal individuals.
- Internal image anti-idiotypic antibodies are found in patients with glomerulonephritis.
Conclusions:
- C3NeF appears to be a product of normal B-cell function.
- The presence of C3NeF in normal individuals suggests a physiological role.
- The dysregulation of C3NeF and its role in glomerulonephritis require further investigation and remain theoretical.