Complement C3 Activation in the Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Epithelial maturation is essential for the specificity and functionality of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell models. This study investigates how different maturation conditions shape RPE characteristics and cellular complement biology in two commonly used in vitro models: ARPE-19 and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE (iPSC-RPE).

Methods

ARPE-19 and iPSC-RPE cells were cultured under low maturation (LM) or high maturation (HM) conditions. Phenotype, RPE marker expression, and functional properties were assessed, and expression of local complement components was analyzed at the transcript, protein, and secretion levels. Intracellular complement C3 processing was characterized using epitope-specific antibodies.

Results

HM conditions enhanced epitheli

SUBMITTER: Schikora J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12315929 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature