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Complement and complement inhibitors: their role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases
1Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, United Medical and Dental School, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Abstract:
The role of complement in the pathogenesis of renal injury is now being confirmed with the use of knockout technology and specific inhibitors. Chronic injury, particularly of the tubules and interstitium, and local complement synthesis are emerging as potential additional targets for complement-based therapy. Strategies are being developed to prevent complement-induced injury both in transplant and in native kidneys.
Insights
Complement activation drives kidney injury, with chronic damage and local complement synthesis offering new therapeutic targets. Complement-based therapies are being developed for both transplant and native kidney diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis of Renal Injury
Background:
- The complement system plays a critical role in the development of kidney injury.
- Recent advancements, including knockout technology and specific inhibitors, are confirming this role.
- Chronic renal injury, particularly affecting tubules and interstitium, is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the confirmed role of complement in renal injury pathogenesis.
- To identify chronic injury and local complement synthesis as potential therapeutic targets.
- To discuss the development of complement-based therapies for kidney diseases.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing knockout technology to investigate complement's role.
- Employing specific complement inhibitors in studies.
- Analyzing chronic injury patterns in tubules and interstitium.
Main Results:
- Confirmation of complement's pathogenic role in renal injury.
- Identification of chronic tubulointerstitial injury as a key feature.
- Emerging evidence for local complement synthesis in kidney disease.
Conclusions:
- Complement is a validated target for therapeutic intervention in renal injury.
- Targeting chronic injury and local complement synthesis presents new therapeutic avenues.
- Complement-based strategies are under development for native and transplant kidney protection.