Complement activation by alginate-polylysine microcapsules used for islet transplantation

A foreign body reaction is frequently observed around implanted microcapsules of alginate-polylysine. Since complement activation can play a role in this reaction, we checked in vitro the ability of empty alginate-polylysine microcapsules to activate complement. Human serum was incubated with microcapsules, and complement activation was evaluated by two methods: the complement hemolytic activity (CH50) and the assay of the C3adesArg fragment. The occurrence of complement activation in the presence of microcapsules was suggested both by a CH50 decrease and by high C3adesArg levels despite C3adesArg adsorption to the capsule membrane. Capsule membrane protection against the cytotoxic effects of complement was also tested. No hemolysis occurred when microencapsulated sensitized sheep erythrocytes were incubated with activated complement. In conclusion, the microcapsule membrane can protect cells against activated complement fragments. Nevertheless, alginate-polylysine microcapsules do activate complement, and this effect must be considered for its use as an implant.