3309Complement activation leads to C3 and C5 dependent prothrombotic alterations of fibrin clots
Authors: Schutt K A , Maxeiner S , Lysaja K , Berger M , Ruetten S , Boor P , Marx N 
Published: October 2019

Background and aims

Alterations of clot structure with thin fibres, small pores and prolonged fibrinolysis are associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. We previously demonstrated complement C3 to be incorporated into fibrin clots resulting in prolongation of fibrinolysis, an effect which was exaggerated in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes are known to display higher levels of complement activation. However, the role of complement activation in particular activation of C3 and C5 on clot lysis time remains unexplored. Thus, the present study seeks to determine whether activation of complement C3 and C5 by cobra venom factor (CVF) has an impact on fibrin clot structure and clot lysis.

Materials and methods

Fibrin clot structure and lysis were determined in a plasma pool of healthy controls in the presence and absence of the complement C3 and C5 activator CVF using a validated turbidimetric assay and scanning electron microscopy. C3 activation was inhibited by the addition of the small 14-AA-peptide Cp40, while C5 activation was blocked by the addition of the FDA approved monoclonal antibody eculizumab (Emab).

Results

Complement activation with CVF leads to a prothrombotic clot structure with thinner fibres (Co 0.20±0.001 au, CVF 0.13±0.001 au; p<0.0001) and prolongation of clot lysis time (Co 864±32 sec, CVF 1665±17 sec; p<0.0001), which was confirmed by electron microscopy (Co 94.7±1.44 nm, CVF 60.7±0.96 nm; p<0.0001). Inhibition of C3 activation by Cp40 improved clot structure resulting in thicker fibres (Co 0.20±0.001 au, CVF 0.13±0.001 au, CP40 0.20±0.002 au; p<0.0001) and shorter clot lysis time (Co 100%, CVF 181±8.9%, CP40 139±7.8%; p<0.0001), while scrambled protein had no effect on either clot structure or lysis time. As CVF can also activate C5 convertase we next investigated the inhibition of complement C5 activation with eculizumab. The latter improved both fibre thickness (Co 0.20±0.002 au, CVF 0.13±0.003 au, Emab 0.16±0.006 au; p<0.0001) and clot lysis time (Co 100%, CVF 192±12%, Emab 140±11%; p<0.001). The combined inhibition of C3 and C5 activation using both, Cp40 and eculizumab in combination optimized clot structure (Co 0.22±0.001 au, CVF 0.13±0.0006 au, Cp40/Emab 0.21±0.001 au; Co vs. Cp40/Emab p=0.003) and restored clot lysis time (Co 100%, CVF 226±6%, CP40/Emab 104±1%; Co vs. Cp40/Emap p=0.8). The results were confirmed by electron microscopy (fibre thickness: Co 93±1.4 nm, CVF 68±1.3 nm, Cp40 83±1.4 nm, Emab 78±1.7 nm, CP40/Emap 95±1.6 nm).

Conclusions

Complement activation at the level of complement C3 and C5 has a detrimental impact on clot properties. Blocking C3 and C5 activation can restore both clot density and prolongation of clot lysis time. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying binding sites on fibrin(ogen) to pave the way for molecules improving clot properties without affecting immune responses.

Acknowledgement/Funding

KS is supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) (SFB/TRR219 C-07; HE 5666/1-2 to KS (née Hess)]