Complement expression on astrocytes and astrocytoma cell lines: failure of complement regulation at the C3 level correlates with very low CD55 expression

J Neuroimmunol. 1996 Dec;71(1-2):97-106. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(96)00136-1.

Abstract

Primary fetal human astrocytes and an astrocytoma cell line, U373-MG, expressed membrane cofactor protein (CD46), CD59, and low levels of decay-accelerating factor (CD55). Astrocyte CD55 was capable of regulating C3 deposition on the cell surface; albeit at a lower level than primary human fibroblasts. Negligible complement-mediated lysis of primary astrocytes and the U373-MG cell line was observed, even when large amount of astrocyte-specific, complement-activating antibodies were bound to the cells. Blocking the function of CD59 on astrocytes resulted in a > 90% cell lysis, while equivalent lysis of fibroblasts could only be achieved with additional blocking of CD55.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Astrocytoma / metabolism*
  • CD55 Antigens / metabolism*
  • CD59 Antigens / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Complement C3 / metabolism*
  • Complement Inactivator Proteins / metabolism
  • Fetus
  • Fluoresceins / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Gene Expression
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Membrane Cofactor Protein
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD46 protein, human
  • CD55 Antigens
  • CD59 Antigens
  • Complement C3
  • Complement Inactivator Proteins
  • Fluoresceins
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Membrane Cofactor Protein
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • fluorexon