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Plasma Exosomes Contribute to Microvascular Damage in Diabetic Retinopathy by Activating the Classical Complement
Chao Huang1, Kiera P Fisher1, Sandra S Hammer1
1Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Diabetes
|June 6, 2018
Summary
In diabetes, IgG-laden exosomes activate the complement system, contributing to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Reducing IgG in these exosomes lessens retinal vascular damage, suggesting a new therapeutic target for DR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults.
- The complement system's role in DR pathogenesis is not fully understood.
- Exosomes carry complement proteins and may contribute to DR-related vascular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IgG-laden exosomes in complement activation and DR development.
- To determine if exosomal IgG contributes to retinal vascular damage in diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Quantified IgG-laden exosomes in plasma from diabetic and control subjects.
- Assessed the activation of the classical complement pathway by these exosomes.
- Evaluated retinal vascular damage in diabetic mice with and without exosomal IgG.
Main Results:
- The quantity of IgG-laden exosomes is increased in diabetes.
- These exosomes activate the classical complement pathway.
- Absence of IgG in exosomes reduced retinal vascular damage in diabetic mice.
Conclusions:
- Complement activation by IgG-laden plasma exosomes is a potential mechanism contributing to DR.
- Targeting exosomal IgG may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy.
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