NOVEL REGULATORS OF THE INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM

摘要

The invention relates to the identification of new regulators of the innate immune system, in particular the complement system. More particularly, the invention relates to specific C5 convertase inhibitors. Said novel inhibitors are particularly useful for treating inflammatory diseases in which the complement system is involved. In a first embodiment, the invention is directed to the use of CFHR proteins and functional fragments or functional derivatives thereof for preventing inflammatory reactions. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to the use of said CFHR proteins for preventing complement activation during transplantations and dialyses and for coating devices that enter in contact with blood or body fluids, especially implants. According to the invention, a pharmaceutical composition comprising functional CFHR protein in combination with functional factor H is also prepared. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to the preparation of monoclonal antibodies which specifically detect CFHR proteins, and the use thereof in methods for determining CFHR in body fluids. Said methods are particularly suitable for diagnosing inflammatory diseases.