Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Complement Pathway, Classical”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Poxvirus pathogenesis.

Poxviruses are a highly successful family of pathogens, with variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, being the most notable member. Poxviruses are unique among animal viruses in several respects. First, owing to the cytoplasmic site of virus replication, the virus encodes many enzymes required either for macromolecular precursor pool regulation or for biosynthetic processes. Second, these viruses have a very complex morphogenesis, which involves the de novo synthesis of virus-specific membranes and inclusion bodies. Third, and perhaps most surprising of all, the genomes of these viruses encode many proteins which interact with host processes at both the cellular and systemic levels. For example, a viral homolog of epidermal growth factor is active in vaccinia virus infections of cultured cells, rabbits, and mice. At least five virus proteins with homology to the serine protease inhibitor family have been identified and one, a 38-kDa protein encoded by cowpox virus, is thought to block a host pathway for generating a chemotactic substance. Finally, a protein which has homology with complement components interferes with the activation of the classical complement pathway. Poxviruses infect their hosts by all possible routes: through the skin by mechanical means (e.g., molluscum contagiosum infections of humans), via the respiratory tract (e.g., variola virus infections of humans), or by the oral route (e.g., ectromelia virus infection of the mouse). Poxvirus infections, in general, are acute, with no strong evidence for latent, persistent, or chronic infections. They can be localized or systemic. Ectromelia virus infection of the laboratory mouse can be systemic but inapparent with no mortality and little morbidity, or highly lethal with death in 10 days. On the other hand, molluscum contagiosum virus replicates only in the stratum spinosum of the human epidermis, with little or no involvement of the dermis, and does not spread systemically from the site of infection. The host response to infection is progressive and multifactorial. Early in the infection process, interferons, the alternative pathway of complement activation, inflammatory cells, and natural killer cells may contribute to slowing the spread of the infection. The cell-mediated response involving learned cytotoxic T lymphocytes and delayed-type hypersensitivity components appears to be the most important in recovery from infection. A significant role for specific antiviral antibody and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity has yet to be demonstrated in recovery from a primary infection, but these responses are thought to be important in preventing reinfection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Modulation of renal disease in MRL/lpr mice genetically deficient in the alternative complement pathway factor B.

In systemic lupus erythematosus, the renal deposition of complement-containing immune complexes initiates an inflammatory cascade resulting in glomerulonephritis. Activation of the classical complement pathway with deposition of C3 is pathogenic in lupus nephritis. Although the alternative complement pathway is activated in lupus nephritis, its role in disease pathogenesis is unknown. To determine the role of the alternative pathway in lupus nephritis, complement factor B-deficient mice were backcrossed to MRL/lpr mice. MRL/lpr mice develop a spontaneous lupus-like disease characterized by immune complex glomerulonephritis. We derived complement factor B wild-type (B+/+), homozygous knockout (B-/-), and heterozygous (B+/-) MRL/lpr mice. Compared with B+/- or B+/+ mice, MRL/lpr B-/- mice developed significantly less proteinuria, less glomerular IgG deposition, and decreased renal scores as well as lower IgG3 cryoglobulin production and vasculitis. Serum C3 levels were normal in the B-/- mice compared with significantly decreased levels in the other two groups. These results suggest that: 1) factor B plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis and vasculitis in MRL/lpr mice; and 2) activation of the alternative pathway, either by the amplification loop or by IgA immune complexes, has a prominent effect on serum C3 levels in this lupus model.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Topology and structure of the C1q-binding site on C-reactive protein.

The host defense functions of human C-reactive protein (CRP) depend to a great extent on its ability to activate the classical complement pathway. The aim of this study was to define the topology and structure of the CRP site that binds C1q, the recognition protein of the classical pathway. We have previously reported that residue Asp(112) of CRP plays a major role in the formation of the C1q-binding site, while the neighboring Lys(114) hinders C1q binding. The three-dimensional structure of CRP shows the presence of a deep, extended cleft in each protomer on the face of the pentamer opposite that containing the phosphocholine-binding sites. Asp(112) is part of this marked cleft that is deep at its origin but becomes wider and shallower close to the inner edge of the protomer and the central pore of the pentamer. The shallow end of the pocket is bounded by the 112-114 loop, residues 86-92 (the inner loop), the C terminus of the protomer, and the C terminus of the pentraxin alpha-helix 169-176, particularly Tyr(175). Mutational analysis of residues participating in the formation of this pocket demonstrates that Asp(112) and Tyr(175) are important contact residues for C1q binding, that Glu(88) influences the conformational change in C1q necessary for complement activation, and that Asn(158) and His(38) probably contribute to the correct geometry of the binding site. Thus, it appears that the pocket at the open end of the cleft is the C1q-binding site of CRP.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed1989

Methylprednisolone affects inhibitors of the complement and the contact systems; functional and immunochemical studies on alpha 2-macroglobulin and C1 inhibitor.

The effects of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MP) on main inhibitors of the classical pathway of complement and on the contact system were studied in citrated pool plasma. Endotoxin (2.10(9) ng/l, lipopolysaccharide B, E. coli 026: B6 Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Michigan, USA) and/or MP in doses of 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/ml were incubated with plasma at 37 degrees C. Plasma samples were obtained at timed intervals up to 24 hours for determination of C1 inhibitor (C1inh) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) values using both functional and immunochemical assays. Plasma containing endotoxin without MP revealed decreases of C1inh and alpha 2M values after 12 hours. Addition of MP in high doses (10 mg/ml) gave an additive effect on the endotoxin-induced decreases of C1inh and alpha 2M values, evident 1 and 12 hours after the beginning of incubation, respectively. When MP alone was added to plasma (5 and 10 mg/ml) also significant decreases in C1inh and alpha 2M values were seen. MP in low doses (0.1 and 1 mg/ml) did not either influence the endotoxin-induced changes in the protease inhibitor functions, or induce significant changes in C1inh and alpha 2M values when incubated in plasma without endotoxin. This study demonstrates that MP in high doses induces marked decreases in plasma C1inh and alpha 2M inhibitory functions and that MP has an additive effect on the endotoxin-induced decreases of these inhibitors.

Blood↗
PubMed1984

Mechanisms of acute allergic reactions.

Acute allergic reactions range from mild conditions of local tissue swelling and pruritus to severe multisystem syndromes including asthma, urticaria and/or angioedema, gastrointestinal distress, and vascular collapse. Such reactions share a common pathophysiology characterized by vasodilation and postcapillary permeability, resulting in increased extravasation of fluid within minutes after exposure to an eliciting substance. Smooth muscle contraction of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts may also be involved. Most of these changes can be explained by the release of chemical mediators from circulating basophilic leukocytes and tissue mast cells. Human basophils and mast cells can be activated to release chemical mediators by several known pathways: crosslinking by allergens of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies attached to basophils and mast cells; anaphylatoxin formation following immune complex activation of the classical complement pathway; anaphylatoxin formed from direct activation of the alternative complement pathway by negatively charged surfaces; non-complement-, non-antibody-mediated direct histamine release; and idiosyncratic mechanisms involving physical exercise, psychological stress, or aspirin intolerance. Any or all of these mechanisms could be operative in patients experiencing acute allergic reactions at the commencement of hemodialysis.

Anaphylaxis↗
PubMed2000

[New physiopathological findings in paraproteinemias].

Apart from their antigen-recognising function, immunoglobulins have other physicochemical properties. The best described is cryoprecipitation of monoclonal and/or polyclonal immunoglobulins. The cryoprecipitation phenomenon is unique for each cryoglobulin, and depends on the intrinsic properties of the monoclonal immunoglobulin, the protein environment, temperature and the surrounding ionic concentrations. The complement activating properties of monoclonal immunoglobulins are also unique. We have described a series of monoclonal immunoglobulins which are able to activate the classical pathway of complement without the formation of antigen/antibody complexes. Analysis of the properties of these monoclonal immunoglobulins suggests new therapeutic strategies in oncology. Monoclonal chimeric antibodies, combining antibody specific against tumour antigens and strong complement activation, may be more damaging to tumor cells than currently used antibodies.

Complement Pathway, Classical↗
PubMed2006

Relapsing fever spirochetes Borrelia recurrentis and B. duttonii acquire complement regulators C4b-binding protein and factor H.

Relapsing fever is a rapidly progressive and severe septic disease caused by certain Borrelia spirochetes. The disease is divided into two forms, i.e., epidemic relapsing fever, caused by Borrelia recurrentis and transmitted by lice, and the endemic form, caused by several Borrelia species, such as B. duttonii, and transmitted by soft-bodied ticks. The spirochetes enter the bloodstream by the vector bite and live persistently in plasma even after the development of specific antibodies. This leads to fever relapses and high mortality and clearly indicates that the Borrelia organisms utilize effective immune evasion strategies. In this study, we show that the epidemic relapsing fever pathogen B. recurrentis and an endemic relapsing fever pathogen, B. duttonii, are serum resistant, i.e., resistant to complement in vitro. They acquire the host alternative complement pathway regulator factor H on their surfaces in a similar way to that of the less serum-resistant Lyme disease pathogen, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. More importantly, the relapsing fever spirochetes specifically bind host C4b-binding protein, a major regulator of the antibody-mediated classical complement pathway. Both complement regulators retained their functional activities when bound to the surfaces of the spirochetes. In conclusion, this is the first report of complement evasion by Borrelia recurrentis and B. duttonii and the first report showing capture of C4b-binding protein by spirochetes.

Borrelia↗
PubMed1997

Amyloid P immunoreactivity precedes C4d deposition on extracellular neurofibrillary tangles.

Extracellular neurofibrillary tangles (eNFTs) are the insoluble cytoskeletal debris left behind when neurons with intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (iNFTs) die. Reactive microglia and reactive astrocytes gather around eNFTs. Many inflammatory proteins are deposited in their vicinity, including activated components of the classical complement pathway. Agents which are potential activators of the pathway include beta-amyloid protein (A beta) and amyloid P (AP), since these in vitro activators have been reported to be associated with both senile plaques (SPs) and eNFTs. To investigate the apparent order in which these proteins are deposited, we studied by immunohistochemistry the relative association of AP, A beta, and the classical complement protein C4d with eNFTs in Alzheimer's disease (AD), parkinsonism-dementia complex of Guam (lytico-bodig, LB), and elderly non-demented cases. In normal elderly cases with mild tangle development, most but not all eNFTs were AP positive. Substantially fewer eNFTs were C4d positive, and in two of the three cases no eNFTs were A beta positive. In AD and mild LB cases with more extensive tangle development, a high portion of eNFTs were AP positive, and most of them were C4d positive. Only a few were A beta positive. In severe LB cases, with dense tangle development, almost all eNFTs were AP and C4d positive, and a significant number were also A beta positive. AP seems to be deposited early in eNFT exposure and could therefore be a potential activator of the complement pathway, while A beta deposition occurs relatively late in the process, and is therefore unlikely to be responsible.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Formation of soluble immune complexes by complement in sera of patients with various hypocomplementemic states. Difference between inhibition of immune precipitation and solubilization.

To examine whether the ability of complement to form soluble immune complexes plays a role in preventing immune complex-mediated diseases, we analyzed the capacity of complement to inhibit immune precipitation (IIP) and to solubilize preformed immune aggregates (SOL) in 23 sera of patients with various hypocomplementemic states, and we correlated the results of these studies with the clinical syndromes found in the various patients. In sera with deficiency or depletion of early classical pathway components, IIP was profoundly altered, whereas SOL was delayed but in the normal range. In contrast, in sera with C3 depletion but intact classical pathway and in properdin-deficient serum, IIP was initially preserved, whereas SOL was abolished. Since the incidence of immune complex diseases in various hypocomplementemic states correlates with the severity of IIP defects, but not with reduced SOL, it is suggested that IIP is an essential biological function of complement that prevents the rapid formation of insoluble immune complexes in vivo.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed1984

Complement activation by cell-associated immune complexes in contact sensitivity.

Lymph node cells collected 4 days after painting the skin with picryl chloride activate the first components of the classical pathway of complement cascade, as shown by consumption of C4 of rabbit complement with total sparing of C5 and factor B activity. In contrast, lymph node cells collected 1 or 6 days after sensitization fail to do so. The ability of "4-day" cells to activate complement is inhibited by treating the cells with specific low-molecular-weight hapten, which is known to dissociate the immune complex present on the cell surface. When mouse serum was used as source of complement, a different behavior in complement activation between CBA/J and B10.D2-New/SnJ serum was observed: "4-day" cells failed to consume CBA/J serum whereas a normal complement activation was detected when B10.D2-New/SnJ serum was used. Using these two sera which differ in the level of C4, an inverse relationship between the ability of "4-day" cells to activate complement and their capacity to induce contact sensitivity when injected into the footpad of normal recipients was reported. Experiments performed using sera from C5 genetically deficient mice demonstrate that only the early complement components are involved, suggesting that membrane immune complexes are solubilized as a result of complement activation; on the other hand, membrane bound activated complement components could alter the immunizing potential of "4-day" cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

The functional inhibition of activated C1 inhibitor in normal human serum causes spontaneous consumption of the complement components C2, C3, C4, and factor B.

The human complement components C1r, C1s, C4, C3, factor B, and/or activated C1INH were functionally blocked in normal human serum (NHS) and EGTA- or EDTA-treated NHS by polyclonal monospecific Fab'-fragments to the individual components. The results of inhibition experiments are compatible with the formation of a classical pathway fluid-phase C3 convertase (C4b2a) spontaneously generated by the inhibition of activated C1INH. This process in both NHS and EGTA-NHS was accompanied by the consumption of C2, C4, C3, and factor B but only by poor enhancement of C5 conversion. Blocking subcomponent C1r, completely inhibited spontaneous activation of the complement components, indicating that the control of C1r hydrolysis is the essential role of activated C1INH as a regulator of C1 activation in NHS. Non-complement serum proteases were inactive during the initiation of the activation process. The presence of blood cells during functional inhibition of activated C1INH in NHS slightly decreased the consumption of C3 but not of C2 and C4.

Angioedema↗
PubMed2004

The powerful neuroprotective action of C1-inhibitor on brain ischemia-reperfusion injury does not require C1q.

C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) is a major regulator of the complement classical pathway. Besides this action, it may also inhibit other related inflammatory systems. We have studied the effect of C1-INH in C57BL/6 mice with focal transient brain ischemia induced by 30 minutes of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. C1-INH induced a dose-dependent reduction of ischemic volume that, with the dose of 15 U/mouse, reached 10.8% of the volume of saline-treated mice. Four days after ischemia the treated mice had significantly lower general and focal neurological deficit scores. Fluoro-Jade staining, a marker for neuronal degeneration, showed that C1-INH-treated mice had a lower number of degenerating cells. Leukocyte infiltration, as assessed by CD45 immunostaining, was also markedly decreased. We then investigated the response to ischemia in C1q(-/-) mice. There was a slight, nonsignificant decrease in infarct volume in C1q(-/-) mice (reduction to 72.3%) compared to wild types. Administration of C1-INH to these mice was still able to reduce the ischemic volume to 31.4%. The study shows that C1-INH has a strong neuroprotective effect on brain ischemia/reperfusion injury and that its action is independent from C1q-mediated activation of classical pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

In vitro immunomodulatory activity of plants used by the Tacana ethnic group in Bolivia.

One hundred and seventy-eight ethanolic plant extracts from the pharmacopoeia of the Tacana, an ethnic group from Bolivia, were screened for immunomodulatory activity using complement cascade inhibition and ADP-induced platelet aggregation inhibition assays. Six impaired both complement pathways (classical and alternative): stem bark from Astronium urundeuvea (Anacardiaceae), Cochlospermum vitifolium (Cochlospermaceae), Terminalia amazonica (Combretaceae), Triplaris americana (Polygonaceae), Uncaria tomentosa (Rubiaceae) and Euterpe precatoria (Arecaceae) roots. Inhibition of complement cascade was independent of essential ion complexation, and was not due to direct hemolytic activity on target red blood cells. For A. urundeuvea, C. vitifolium, and T. amazonica, anti-inflammatory activity relied on cyclo-oxygenase inhibition. Four of these species (A. urundeuva, T. americana, U. tomentosa and E. precatoria) are used traditionally to treat inflammatory processes.

Bolivia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Complement deficiency and neutrophil dysfunction as risk factors for bacterial infection in newborns and the role of granulocyte transfusion in therapy.

The similarity in the susceptibility to bacterial infections of newborns and older patients with complement deficiencies, neutropenia, or neutrophil function defects has suggested that neutrophils and/or complement might also be defective in newborns. Although no individual element of the phagocytic host defense system is severely deficient, several partial deficiencies have been identified. These involve important amplification pathways of complement and neutrophil activation and may combine to cause significant decreases in phagocyte activity at sites of infection. Because of decreased specific antibody, initial activation of the classical complement pathway is decreased. Low levels of C3 and factor B decrease amplification by the alternative pathway and result in marked decreases in opsonization and generation of chemotactic activity from C5. There are also quantitative and qualitative neutrophil defects. The recent observations that newborns' neutrophils are relatively deficient in membrane expression of their major adherence protein/C3bi receptor help explain the decreased mobility and phagocytic activity of these cells. Thus, several partial deficiencies combine to cause severe impairments in delivery of neutrophils to sites of infection and contribute to the increased susceptibility of the newborn to infection.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1996

Quantification of the CD55 and CD59, membrane inhibitors of complement on HIV-1 particles as a function of complement-mediated virolysis.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) NM-01 activates the human complement classical pathway resulting in lysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The present study was performed to determine the availability of the V3-loop of gp120 relative to the complement regulatory proteins, CD55 (DAF) and CD59 (HRF20) molecules on HIV. The results demonstrate that CD55 and CD59 exist on HIV virions, along with gp120 molecules. These findings suggest that activation of human complement on free viral particles is induced by MoAb NM-01 and that this occurs regardless of the presence of CD55 and CD59 molecules. The destruction of viral particles was demonstrated by a decrease in infectivity. The involvement of human complement in this process was confirmed with an immunoelectron microscopy technique by the presence of a human C9 to prove membrane attack complex (MAC). The results indicate that NM-01 can induce complement activation because of the ratios of CD55 and CD59 to gp120 molecules on HIV virions. The availability of the gp120 V3 domain on the virion is sufficient for binding of NM-01 and thereby the formation of MAC that results in virolysis.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1990

Complement, complement activation and anaphylatoxins in human ovarian follicular fluid.

Functionally active complement was sought and detected in human follicular fluids obtained during the pre-ovulatory period. All the functional complement activities tested, including total haemolytic complement, classical pathway activity and alternative pathway activity were present in nine fluids from four different donors with values within the normal serum range. The immunochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of complement factors from C1 to C9, of B and of C1 INH, H, I. Complement anaphylatoxins were found employing RIA techniques in amounts significantly higher than in human plasma, thus demonstrating that follicular fluid complement, at least during the pre-ovulatory period, is partially activated. A possible role for urokinase-like substances in such an activation was indicated by further in vitro experiments. The presence of active complement in follicular fluid can be relevant for the function of the enzymatic multi-factorial mechanism of ovulation.

Anaphylatoxins↗
PubMed1975

Serum complement and immunity in experimental simian malaria. II. Preferential activation of early components and failure of depletion of late components to inhibit protective immunity.

The role of complement in the control of parasitemia was examined. Depletion of late components (3-9) by cobra venom factor did not alter either the degree or course of parasitemia during the pre-immune or immune stages of infection. The pattern of consumption of complement components was therefore examined. Concomitant with schizont rupture there was depletion of early-acting components (C1, C4, and C2) of the clasical complement pathway. The magnitude and remporal relationships of the fall were similar for these three components. Serum levels returned to prerupture values over 36-48 hr, and then the cycle was repeated. There was no simultaneous change in the levels of C3, C3 proactivator, or C6. These results delineate a new pattern of cyclical consumption of early components of the classical complement pathway associated temporally with schizont rupture and suggest that the late-acting components are not required for protective host immunity in malaria.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2002

The crystal structure of the zymogen catalytic domain of complement protease C1r reveals that a disruptive mechanical stress is required to trigger activation of the C1 complex.

C1r is the modular serine protease (SP) that mediates autolytic activation of C1, the macromolecular complex that triggers the classical pathway of complement. The crystal structure of a mutated, proenzyme form of the catalytic domain of human C1r, comprising the first and second complement control protein modules (CCP1, CCP2) and the SP domain has been solved and refined to 2.9 A resolution. The domain associates as a homodimer with an elongated head-to-tail structure featuring a central opening and involving interactions between the CCP1 module of one monomer and the SP domain of its counterpart. Consequently, the catalytic site of one monomer and the cleavage site of the other are located at opposite ends of the dimer. The structure reveals unusual features in the SP domain and provides strong support for the hypothesis that C1r activation in C1 is triggered by a mechanical stress caused by target recognition that disrupts the CCP1-SP interfaces and allows formation of transient states involving important conformational changes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗