Induction of decay-accelerating factor by cytokines or the membrane-attackcomplex protects vascular endothelial cells against complement deposition

Vascular endothelium is continuously exposed to complement-mediated challen ge, and this is enhanced during inflammation. Although the complement-regul atory proteins decay-accelerating factor (DAF), CD59, and membrane cofactor protein (MCP) protect endothelial cells (ECs) against complement-mediated injury, the control of their expression and relative contributions to vascu lar protection is unclear, We explored the hypothesis that mechanisms exist which induce upregulation of complement-regulatory proteins on ECs to main tain vascular function in inflammation. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF al pha) and interferon gamma (IFN gamma) each increased DAF expression but not CD59 or MCP expression, and a combination of these cytokines was more pote nt than either alone. Cytokine-induced expression depended on increased DAF mRNA and de novo protein synthesis and was maximal by 72 hours. In additio n, assembly of the membrane-attack complex (MAC) on ECs induced a 8-fold in crease in DAF expression, and this was enhanced by cytokines. DAF upregulat ion was not inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC) antagonists. The increase i n DAF was functionally relevant since it reduced complement 3 (C3) depositi on by 40%, and this was inhibited by an anti-DAF monoclonal antibody, These observations indicate that upregulation of DAF expression by cytokines or MAC may represent an important feedback mechanism to maintain the integrity of the microvasculature during subacute and chronic inflammatory processes involving complement activation. (C) 1999 by The American Society of Hemat ology.