EXPRESSION OF CD59, A REGULATOR OF THE MEMBRANE ATTACK COMPLEX OF COMPLEMENT, ON HUMAN ASTROCYTES

The present study demonstrates that human astrocytes synthesize and ex press CD59, a regulator of the membrane attack complex of complement. This was shown by flow cytometry following staining of astrocytes with MAb to CD59, and Western blotting of astrocyte lysates, which reveale d the characteristic 18-23,000 M(r) band of CD59. Synthesis of CD59 by astrocytes was confirmed by detection of CD59 specific mRNA by polyme rase chain reaction. A low level of C3 deposition occurred on astrocyt es following exposure to autologous serum. CD59 may prevent subsequent damage from C5b-9 and protect astrocytes during inflammatory and infe ctious disorders of the nervous system.