Complement Factor H and Factor H-Like protein are expressed in human RPE cells
Reviewed by Bheemanagouda Patil

The role of inflammation in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is well documented and the association of AMD with the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and members of the complement system underline the role of complements in AMD. Human complement factor H controls spontaneous activation of the complement cascade, protects from oxidative stress and plays a major role in regulation of the alternative pathway of complement. In this study, retinal epithelial cells (RPE), i.e. immortalised ARPE-19 as well as primary human RPE cells, were investigated for expression of factor H and FHL-1 by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation analysis. Factor H and FHL-1 are expressed in RPE cells and their expression was induced in a dose-dependent manner in ARPE-19 cells upon treatment with the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6). Local synthesis of complement regulators affects the protection of retinal cells and may be involved in the pathogenesis at the RPE-choroid interface in AMD.

Human Complement factor H and Factor H-like protein 1 are expressed in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Weinberger AWA, Eddahabi C, Carstesen D, et al.
OPHTHALMIC RESEARCH
2014;51(2):59-66.