Local factor H production by human choroidal endothelial cells mitigates complement deposition: implications for macular degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Activation of the alternative complement pathway is an initiating event in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Unchecked complement activation leads to the formation of a pro-lytic pore, the membrane attack complex (MAC). MAC deposition is observed on the choriocapillaris of AMD patients and likely causes lysis of choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Complement factor H (FH, encoded by the gene CFH) is an inhibitor of complement. Both loss of function of FH and reduced choroidal levels of FH have been reported in AMD. It is plausible that reduced local FH availability promotes MAC deposition on CECs. FH is produced primarily in the liver; however, cells including the retinal pigment epithelium can produce FH locally. We hypothesized that CECs produce FH locally to prote

SUBMITTER: Mulfaul K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9007903 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature