The benefit of targeted and selective inhibition of the alternative complement pathway for modulating autoimmunity and renal disease in MRL/lpr mice

摘要

ObjectiveComplement has both protective and pathogenic functions in lupus due to a balance between its role in the clearance of immune complexes (IC’s) and apoptotic cells versus inflammation. The classical pathway contributes to IC and apoptotic cell clearance, whereas the alternative pathway is a key mediator of renal inflammation. We investigated the effect of a new targeted inhibitor of the alternative pathway, CR2-fH, on lupus-like renal disease in MRL/lpr mice.