How the complement system damages the kidney and possible new treatments
Complement-mediated injury of the kidney: New mechanisms and novel therapies
Researchers look for why a part of the immune system (the alternative complement pathway) attacks the kidney and test ways to stop that damage for people with glomerular disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team studies how the alternative complement pathway causes inflammation and injury in the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli). They focus on protective protein factor H and on other proteins (factor H–related proteins and annexins) that appear to block factor H and create local overactivation. Using laboratory work with human tissue and blood samples, molecular studies, and animal models, researchers examine how these interactions produce inflammatory signals that recruit immune cells. They are also developing and testing therapies aimed at blocking the harmful proteins or restoring factor H function to prevent or reduce kidney injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with complement-mediated glomerular diseases—such as C3 glomerulopathy or atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome—or patients with unexplained complement activation in the kidney would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose kidney problems are caused primarily by diabetes, long-standing high blood pressure, or non-complement structural damage are less likely to benefit from these complement-focused strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent or reduce complement-driven kidney damage and slow progression of certain glomerular diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Complement-blocking drugs (for example C5 and C3 inhibitors) have helped some patients with rare complement-driven kidney diseases, but targeting the factor H antagonists (FHRs and annexins) is a more novel strategy still under study.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thurman, Joshua M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Thurman, Joshua M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.