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Lookup NU author(s): Professor David KavanaghORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Platelet/granulocyte aggregates (PGAs) increase thromboinflammation in the vasculature, and PGA formation is tightly controlled by the complement alternative pathway (AP) negative regulator, Factor H (FH). Mutations in FH are associated with the prothrombotic disease atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), yet it is unknown whether increased PGA formation contributes to the thrombosis seen in patients with aHUS. Here, flow cytometry assays were used to evaluate the effects of aHUS-related mutations on FH regulation of PGA formation and characterize the mechanism. Utilizing recombinant fragments of FH spanning the entire length of the protein, we mapped the regions of FH most critical for limiting AP activity on the surface of isolated human platelets and neutrophils, as well as the regions most critical for regulating PGA formation in human whole blood stimulated with thrombin receptor-activating peptide (TRAP). FH domains 19–20 were the most critical for limiting AP activity on platelets, neutrophils, and at the platelet/granulocyte interface. The role of FH in PGA formation was attributed to its ability to regulate AP-mediated C5a generation. AHUS-related mutations in domains 19–20 caused differential effects on control of PGA formation and AP activity on platelets and neutrophils. Our data indicate FH C-terminal domains are key for regulating PGA formation, thus increased FH protection may have a beneficial impact on diseases characterized by increased PGA formation, such as cardiovascular disease. Additionally, aHUS-related mutations in domains 19–20 have varying effects on control of TRAP-mediated PGA formation, suggesting that some, but not all, aHUS-related mutations may cause increased PGA formation that contributes to excessive thrombosis in patients with aHUS.
Author(s): Blatt AZ, Saggu G, Cortes C, Herbert AP, Kavanagh D, Ricklin D, Lambris JD, Ferreira VP
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology
Year: 2017
Volume: 8
Online publication date: 23/11/2017
Acceptance date: 01/11/2017
Date deposited: 21/12/2017
ISSN (electronic): 1664-3224
Publisher: Frontiers Media
URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01586
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01586
PubMed id: 29218045
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