Work

The membrane attack complex of complement drives the progression of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: To examine the roles of the membrane attack complex of complement and its sole membrane regulator, CD59, in atherosclerosis. METHODS: C6 (C6(-/-)) deficient and CD59a (Cd59a(-/-)) knockout mice were separately crossed onto the apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE(-/-)) background. The double knockout mice were fed high-fat diet in order to study the effects of absence of C6 or CD59a on the progression of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: C6 deficiency significantly reduced plaque area and disease severity. CD59a had the opposite effect in that deficiency was associated with a significant increase in plaque area, correlating with increased membrane attack complex (MAC) deposition in the plaque and increased smooth muscle cell proliferation in early plaques. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the MAC contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, C6 deficiency being protective and CD59a deficiency exacerbating disease.

Source: Molecular Immunology

DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.10.035

Authors: Ruth D. Lewis, Christopher L. Jackson, B. Paul Morgan, Timothy R. Hughes

Institutions: Cardiff University, Bristol Royal Infirmary, University of Bristol

Language: English

Topic: Complement system in diseases

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,340