C1 inhibitor: molecular and clinical aspects.

Article Details

Citation

Cicardi M, Zingale L, Zanichelli A, Pappalardo E, Cicardi B

C1 inhibitor: molecular and clinical aspects.

Springer Semin Immunopathol. 2005 Nov;27(3):286-98. Epub 2005 Nov 11.

PubMed ID
16267649 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) is a serine protease inhibitor (serpins) that inactivates several different proteases in the complement, contact, coagulation, and fibrinolytic systems. By its C-terminal part (serpin domain), characterized by three beta-sheets and an exposed mobile reactive loop, C1-INH binds, and blocks the activity of its target proteases. The N-terminal end (nonserpin domain) confers to C1-INH the capacity to bind lipopolysaccharides and E-selectin. Owing to this moiety, C1-INH intervenes in regulation of the inflammatory reaction. The heterozygous deficiency of C1-INH results in hereditary angioedema (HAE). The clinical picture of HAE is characterized by bouts of local increase in vascular permeability. Depending on the affected site, patients suffer from disfiguring subcutaneous edema, abdominal pain, vomiting and/or diarrhoea for edema of the gastrointestinal mucosa, dysphagia, and dysphonia up to asphyxia for edema of the pharynx and larynx. Apart from its genetic deficiency, there are several pathological conditions such as ischemia-reperfusion, septic shock, capillary leak syndrome, and pancreatitis, in which C1-INH has been reported to either play a pathogenic role or be a potential therapeutic tool. These potential applications were identified long ago, but controlled studies have not been performed to confirm pilot experiences. Recombinant C1-INH, produced in transgenic animals, has recently been produced for treatment of HAE, and clinical trials are in progress. We can expect that the introduction of this new product, along with the existing plasma derivative, will renew interest in exploiting C1-INH as a therapeutic agent.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
Conestat alfaCoagulation factor XIProteinHumans
Yes
Inhibitor
Details
Conestat alfaTissue-type plasminogen activatorProteinHumans
Yes
Inhibitor
Details
Human C1-esterase inhibitorCoagulation factor XIProteinHumans
Yes
Inhibitor
Details
Human C1-esterase inhibitorTissue-type plasminogen activatorProteinHumans
Yes
Inhibitor
Details