The molecular basis of complement activation by model nanomedicines.

Abstract

Complement activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA) is a term refers to those hypersensitivity reactions where the allergen can activate complement. This study examined the effect of nanomedicines and polyethylene glycol on complement activation. Single-walled carbon nanotubes, which have many medical applications as drug delivery systems, activated human complement independently of the C1q-dependent classical and the alternative pathways, as reflected by a significant rise in serum levels of S-protein bound form of terminal complex (SC5b-9) and C4d. This study also shows that polyethylene glycol (PEG) with different molecular weights was capable of activating complement. It was found that molecular weight of PEG plays an important role in activating both calcium sensitive and alternative pathways of the human complement system, with relatively higher molecular weight polymer resulting in more activation to a certain extent.

Date of Award	Apr 2008
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton