Endothelial dysfunction reduces vasodilation and promotes inflammatory cell adherence, initiating atherosclerosis. Key complement components (C3a, C5a, C5b-9) trigger adhesion molecule and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in endothelial cells.
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Contact our team to get an inquiry now!The complement network, a fundamental element of innate immunity, protects against pathogens while eliminating immune aggregates and programmed cell death remnants. A cascade of plasma proteins and cell surface receptors, it activates via classical, lectin, and alternative pathways, converging to C3 and C5 convertases, generating inflammatory mediators (C3a, C5a) and the membrane attack complex (MAC, C5b-9). Though vital for immune surveillance, its dysregulation or excessive activation significantly contributes to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
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Complement System in Cardiovascular Disease
Recent literature highlights the complement's "double-edged sword" role in cardiovascular health. In myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, complement activation worsens tissue damage, causing cardiomyocyte death and inflammation. In atherosclerosis, chronic complement activation promotes plaque formation and instability. Anaphylatoxins C3a, C5a, and MAC drive inflammatory responses, recruit immune cells, and damage endothelial cells, advancing conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and aortic aneurysm. Understanding these interactions and activation mechanisms in CVDs is critical for effective therapeutic strategies.
Fig.1 Autoimmune disorders and complement cascade initiation in PAH pathological development.1
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a major cardiometabolic disorder, involves critical narrowing or occlusion of blood vessels. The complement system is implicated in pivotal CVD processes, including endothelial impairment, atherosclerosis, and altered coagulation/fibrinolysis.
Endothelial dysfunction reduces vasodilation and promotes inflammatory cell adherence, initiating atherosclerosis. Key complement components (C3a, C5a, C5b-9) trigger adhesion molecule and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in endothelial cells.
Complement activation occurs from nascent fatty streaks to advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Components are found within atheromas, often co-localizing with activators like CRP, oxidized LDL, and macrophages (e.g., C1q, C1r, C1s, C4, C7, C8 in human plaques). Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a lectin pathway factor, is significant in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction pathogenesis, impacting plaque formation, destabilization, and thrombotic events.
Complement protein C3 demonstrates biochemical association with fibrinogen, thrombocyte levels, and PAI-1. Plasma C3 concentration correlates with its integration into fibrin clots, a recognized structural element of blood clots.
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A: Targeting specific components or pathways within the complement system can significantly influence the inflammatory and damaging processes that drive cardiovascular diseases. By inhibiting excessive complement activation, it's possible to reduce inflammation, prevent cell and tissue damage, and potentially slow or even reverse disease progression in conditions like heart attack recovery or atherosclerosis. The precise impact depends on the specific disease and the component being modulated.
A: Yes, there are various strategies, including blocking upstream activators, inhibiting convertases, or neutralizing downstream effectors like C3a, C5a, or the MAC. The most effective strategy often depends on the specific cardiovascular disease and the precise mechanism of complement involvement. For example, in acute conditions like ischemia-reperfusion injury, targeting early components might be beneficial, while in chronic diseases like atherosclerosis, a more sustained or specific inhibition might be preferred. Researchers often explore different approaches to find the optimal therapeutic window.
A: While complement inhibition holds great promise, a key challenge is maintaining the system's essential protective functions while mitigating its detrimental effects. Over-inhibition could potentially increase susceptibility to certain infections, as the complement system is vital for host defense. Therefore, developing highly specific inhibitors that selectively target pathogenic complement activation, or strategies that achieve transient inhibition, are crucial to minimize off-target effects and ensure patient safety.
A: Complement inhibition represents a novel therapeutic approach that directly addresses a fundamental inflammatory mechanism often overlooked by traditional treatments. While existing treatments might manage symptoms or risk factors, complement-targeted therapies aim to intervene at a deeper pathological level. They can potentially be used as monotherapies or in combination with current standards of care to provide enhanced protection and improve patient outcomes, especially in cases where inflammation plays a dominant role.
A: Demonstrating efficacy typically involves a multi-faceted approach. This includes in vitro studies to confirm the therapeutic's ability to modulate complement activity, followed by in vivo studies in relevant animal models of cardiovascular disease. Key endpoints often include reductions in inflammatory markers, improved cardiac function, decreased tissue damage, and changes in disease progression. Ultimately, robust clinical trial data in human patients would be required to confirm safety and efficacy.
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| Cat# | Product Type | Product Name | Specie Reactivity | Applications | Inquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTS-006 | Serum | Human Complement Serum (Pooled) | Human | Complement fixation assays; Haemolysis Assays | INQUIRY |
| CTS-001 | Serum | Guinea Pig Complement Serum | Guinea pig | Complement fixation assays; Haemolysis Assays | INQUIRY |
| CTR-001 | Antibody | Hemolysin (Rabbit Anti-Sheep Cell Hemolysin) | Sheep | Complement fixation assays; Haemolysis Assays | INQUIRY |
| CTP-461 | Protein | Native Human Complement C1q Protein | Human | ELISA; Functional Assays | INQUIRY |
| CTP-463 | Protein | Native Mouse Complement C1q Protein | Mouse | ELISA; Functional Assays | INQUIRY |
| CTMM-0322-JL15 | Antibody | Mouse Anti-Human C1q Monoclonal Antibody (TJL-03) [HRP] | Human | WB; IHC; ELISA | INQUIRY |
| CTP-051 | Protein | Native Human Complement C3b Protein | Human | ELISA; Functional Assays | INQUIRY |
| CTP-456 | Protein | Native Cynomolgus Monkey Complement C3b Protein | Cynomolgus Monkey | ELISA; Functional Assays | INQUIRY |
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