Abstract
The C3 convertases are the major proteases of the complement cascade and are assembled at the site of complement activation via several different pathways. Properdins functional role in stabilizing the alternative pathway convertase has been long established; however, new evidence demonstrates that properdin can also bind to certain microbial surfaces, and provide a platform for de novo convertase assembly. Therefore, properdin participates in two distinct mechanisms for complement activation: the alternative pathway and a properdin-directed pathway. Previous work had implicated the alternative pathway in the initiation and/or progression of several autoimmune diseases and in the host defense against certain bacterial pathogens. Those conclusions were based on evidence that cannot distinguish effects of the alternative pathway from effects of the properdin-directed pathway. With the identification of the new role for properdin in C3 convertase assembly there became a pressing need to reassess the mechanisms of complement activation, determine the specific role of properdin in each of these pathways, and explore the new therapeutic avenues that could arise.
Keywords: Properdin, complement, C3 convertase, innate immunity, Neisseria, alternative pathway, properdin-directed pathway
Current Drug Targets
Title: Properdin and Complement Activation: A Fresh Perspective
Volume: 9 Issue: 2
Author(s): Dennis E. Hourcade
Affiliation:
Keywords: Properdin, complement, C3 convertase, innate immunity, Neisseria, alternative pathway, properdin-directed pathway
Abstract: The C3 convertases are the major proteases of the complement cascade and are assembled at the site of complement activation via several different pathways. Properdins functional role in stabilizing the alternative pathway convertase has been long established; however, new evidence demonstrates that properdin can also bind to certain microbial surfaces, and provide a platform for de novo convertase assembly. Therefore, properdin participates in two distinct mechanisms for complement activation: the alternative pathway and a properdin-directed pathway. Previous work had implicated the alternative pathway in the initiation and/or progression of several autoimmune diseases and in the host defense against certain bacterial pathogens. Those conclusions were based on evidence that cannot distinguish effects of the alternative pathway from effects of the properdin-directed pathway. With the identification of the new role for properdin in C3 convertase assembly there became a pressing need to reassess the mechanisms of complement activation, determine the specific role of properdin in each of these pathways, and explore the new therapeutic avenues that could arise.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Hourcade E. Dennis, Properdin and Complement Activation: A Fresh Perspective, Current Drug Targets 2008; 9 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945008783502458
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945008783502458 |
Print ISSN 1389-4501 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-5592 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
New drug therapy for eye diseases
Eyesight is one of the most critical senses, accounting for over 80% of our perceptions. Our quality of life might be significantly affected by eye disease, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, etc. Although the development of microinvasive ocular surgery reduces surgical complications and improves overall outcomes, medication therapy is ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Thiol-Dependent Cathepsins: Pathophysiological Implications and Recent Advances in Inhibitor Design
Current Pharmaceutical Design Idiopathic Transverse Myelitis and Neuromyelitis Optica: Clinical Profiles,Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Choices
Current Neuropharmacology Risk Factors for Serious Adverse Effects of Thiopurines in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Current Drug Safety Unique Phenotypes and Functions of Follicular Helper T Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Current Rheumatology Reviews Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy with Hypsarrhythmia (Infantile Spasms/West Syndrome) and Immunity
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Human Fetal Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy An Unusual Presentation of a Rare Scleroderma Mimic: What is Behind the Scenes?
Current Rheumatology Reviews Candidate Genes Implicated in Type 1 Diabetes Susceptibility
Current Diabetes Reviews Genetic and Pharmacological Modulation of Dendritic Cell-T Cell Interactions as a Therapeutic Strategy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Current Gene Therapy Use of MHC II Structural Features in the Design of Vaccines for Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Autoimmunity in Type 1 Diabetes
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Biological Therapies of Autoimmune Diseases
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy Kynurenine System and Multiple Sclerosis, Pathomechanism and Drug Targets with An Emphasis on Laquinimod
Current Drug Targets Targeting Cytokines of the Interleukin-12 Family in Autoimmunity
Current Medicinal Chemistry Updates on GMSCs Treatment for Autoimmune Diseases
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy NF-κB Inhibitors for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Biochemical Markers of Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
Current Pharmaceutical Design Vaccination and Induction of Autoimmune Diseases
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) MICA Molecules in Disease and Transplantation, a Double-Edged Sword?
Current Immunology Reviews (Discontinued) The Role of Nitric Oxide in Autoimmune Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents