Controlling the anaphylatoxin C5a in diseases requires a specifically targeted inhibition.

The terminal complement split product C5a has been described as an important mediator in inflammatory diseases. C5a is generated upon cleavage of C5 and earlier research suggests that, besides the known C5 convertases formed upon activation of the complement pathways, various enzymes could activate C5 directly. We demonstrate that eculizumab effectively blocks C5 activation when mediated by C5-convertase formation, but fails to block C5a generation resulting from direct enzymatic cleavage by trypsin and thrombin.

Modulation of actin dynamics as potential macrophage subtype-targeting anti-tumour strategy.

Tumour-associated macrophages mainly comprise immunosuppressive M2 phenotypes that promote tumour progression besides anti-tumoural M1 subsets. Selective depletion or reprogramming of M2 may represent an innovative anti-cancer strategy. The actin cytoskeleton is central for cellular homeostasis and is targeted for anti-cancer chemotherapy.