Genetics and complement in atypical HUS.
Central to the pathogenesis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is over-activation of the alternative pathway of complement. Following the initial discovery of mutations in the complement regulatory protein, factor H, mutations have been described in factor I, membrane cofactor protein and thrombomodulin, which also result in decreased complement regulation. Autoantibodies to factor H have also been reported to impair complement regulation in aHUS. More recently, gain of function mutations in the complement components C3 and Factor B have been seen. This review focuses on the genetic causes of aHUS, their functional consequences, and clinical effect.
The Institute of Human Genetics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. david.kavanagh@ncl.ac.uk
David
D
Kavanagh
Tim
T
Goodship
D065766:Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000235:genetics*; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006463:Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D019683:Penetrance; D010641:Phenotype; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D001323:Autoantibodies; D003165:Complement System Proteins