Detection of Autoantibodies to Complement Components by Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Technology

The innate immune complement system is a powerful defense cascade against pathogens, but can induce host tissue damage when overactivated. In pathological conditions, mainly but not restricted to renal diseases, such as lupus nephritis, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and C3 glomerulopathies, complement is overactivated or dysregulated by autoantibodies directed against its components and regulators. Among the key autoantibody targets are the initiator of the classical complement pathway C1q, the alternative pathway regulator Factor H, the components of the alternative pathway C3 convertase complex C3 and Factor B and the convertase complex itself. This methodological article describes our experience with a method for detection of anti-complement autoantibodies in real time using surface plasmon resonance-based technology. It allows label-free evaluation of the binding efficacy and stability of the formed antigen-antibody complexes.