C1q and the classical complement cascade in geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a retinal neurodegenerative disorder. Human genetic data support the complement system as a key component of pathogenesis in AMD, which has been further supported by pre-clinical and recent clinical studies. However, the involvement of the different complement pathways (classical, lectin, alternative), and thus the optimal complement inhibition target, has yet to be fully defined. There is evidence that C1q, the initiating molecule of the classical pathway, is a key driver of complement activity in AMD. C1q is expressed locally by infiltrating phagocytic cells and C1q-activating ligands are present at disease onset and continue to accumulate with disease progression. The accumulation of C1q on photoreceptor syna

SUBMITTER: Yednock T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9641935 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature