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Vasculitis

A CLEAR argument for targeting complement in ANCA vasculitis

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Mechanistic studies have implicated the alternative complement pathway, specifically C5a receptor activation, in the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Results from a phase 2 trial suggest that C5a receptor blockade could enable the reduced use or complete withdrawal of steroids from induction protocols.

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Figure 1: Targeting complement in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis.

References

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Acknowledgements

R.K. is supported by the DFG grant KE 576/8-1 and an ECRC grant. The Experimental and Clinical Research Center is a joint cooperation between the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany.

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Correspondence to Ralph Kettritz.

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Kettritz, R. A CLEAR argument for targeting complement in ANCA vasculitis. Nat Rev Nephrol 13, 448–450 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneph.2017.69

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