Regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog by complement component 5a (C5a) and its receptor (C5aR1) in lupus nephritis: A novel therapeutic target

Lupus nephritis (LN), a renal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, results from immune-mediated kidney injury. The present study investigated how Complement Component 5a (C5a) and its receptor (C5aR1) regulate Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway during LN development. Using MRL/lpr mice as an LN model, we examined the expression of C5a, C5aR1, PTEN, and related proteins through Western blot, quantitative Real-Time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Treatment with a C5aR1 antagonist (C5aR1A) was administered to assess its effects on renal function and molecular parameters. Elevated expression of C5a and C5aR1 was detected in MRL/lpr mice, accompanied by reduced PTEN levels and enhanced PI3K/Akt signaling activity. Treatment with the C5aR1 antagonist (C5aR1A) restored PTEN expression, suppressed Akt phosphorylation, and improved renal function, reflected by lower serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. These findings suggest that the C5a/C5aR1 axis contributes to LN progression by regulating PTEN and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, offering potential therapeutic insights for LN treatment.