Complement factor H in molecular regulation of angiogenesis

Abstract Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new capillaries from existing blood vessels, is required for multiple physiological and pathological processes. Complement factor H (CFH) is a plasma protein that inhibits the alternative pathway of the complement system. Loss of CFH enhances the al...

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Published inMedical Review
Main Authors Li, Jiang, Wang, Kaili, Starodubtseva, Maria N., Nadyrov, Eldar, Kapron, Carolyn M., Hoh, Josephine, Liu, Ju
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.07.2024
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Summary:Abstract Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new capillaries from existing blood vessels, is required for multiple physiological and pathological processes. Complement factor H (CFH) is a plasma protein that inhibits the alternative pathway of the complement system. Loss of CFH enhances the alternative pathway and increases complement activation fragments with pro-angiogenic capacity, including complement 3a, complement 5a, and membrane attack complex. CFH protein contains binding sites for C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and endothelial heparan sulfates. Dysfunction of CFH prevents its interaction with these molecules and initiates pro-angiogenic events. Mutations in the CFH gene have been found in patients with age-related macular degeneration characterized by choroidal neovascularization. The Cfh -deficient mice show an increase in angiogenesis, which is decreased by administration of recombinant CFH protein. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of the anti-angiogenic effects of CFH and the regulatory mechanisms of CFH expression. The therapeutic potential of recombinant CFH protein in angiogenesis-related diseases has also been discussed.
ISSN:2749-9642
2749-9642
DOI:10.1515/mr-2023-0048