Mechanism by which immune complexes are deposited in hosts tissue

Inflammopharmacology. 2022 Feb;30(1):349-351. doi: 10.1007/s10787-021-00910-y. Epub 2022 Jan 18.

Abstract

We offer an explanation how immune complexes are deposited in tissues of auto-immune disorders in humans. These disorders are characterized by the accumulation in tissues of large numbers of neutrophils, which can shed out long extracellular traps (NETs) rich in a nucleosome and in highly opsonic poly cations, histone, LL37, defensins and elastase possessing properties similar to antibodies. These can bind by strong electrostatic forces to negatively charged domains in immune globulins, thus facilitating their deposition and internalization by tissue cells. However, the main cause for tissue damage in auto-immune patients is inflicted by the plethora of toxic pro-inflammatory agents released by activated neutrophils. To ameliorate tissue damage and the cytokine storms, it is recommended to administer to patients highly anionic heparins accompanied by steroids, methotrexate, colchicine, copaxone, and also by additional agents which retarded neutrophil functions.

Keywords: Auto-immune inflammatory disorders; Immune complexes; Pro-inflammatory agents.

MeSH terms

  • Antigen-Antibody Complex* / metabolism
  • Extracellular Traps* / metabolism
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neutrophils / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Histones