Expression of CD59, a regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement, on human astrocytes

The present study demonstrates that human astrocytes synthesize and express CD59, a regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement. This was shown by flow cytometry following staining of astrocytes with MAb to CD59, and Western blotting of astrocyte lysates, which revealed the characteristic 18-23,000 M(r) band of CD59. Synthesis of CD59 by astrocytes was confirmed by detection of CD59 specific mRNA by polymerase chain reaction. A low level of C3 deposition occurred on astrocytes following exposure to autologous serum. CD59 may prevent subsequent damage from C5b-9 and protect astrocytes during inflammatory and infectious disorders of the nervous system.