GoKawiilComplement factor H found inside retinal neurons shields them from MS-related inflammation
Researchers analyzed post-mortem retinal and brain tissue from multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls, using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and other molecular techniques. They identified an intracellular form of complement factor H within neurons that appears to protect these cells from damage during central nervous system inflammation, a mechanism distinct from the protein's known extracellular immune role.
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Multiple sclerosis involves progressive neuronal loss driven partly by chronic inflammation, and existing complement-targeting therapies mainly address extracellular pathways. Discovering a protective intracellular function for factor H suggests new therapeutic angles that could help preserve neurons rather than merely dampening immune attack, potentially informing treatments for MS and other neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases.
- Complement factor H was found inside neurons, not just circulating outside cells as previously known.
- This intracellular factor H appears to protect neurons during CNS inflammation seen in multiple sclerosis.
- Findings come from detailed analysis of post-mortem retinal and brain tissue from MS patients and controls.
Source: nature.com — Mayer, 2026-09-02
Published there as: “Intracellular complement factor H protects neurons during CNS inflammation”
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