Combined Inhibition of C5 and CD14 Attenuates Systemic Inflammation in a Piglet Model of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a severe lung condition affecting newborns and it can lead to a systemic inflammatory response. We previously documented complement activation and cytokine release in a piglet MAS model. Additionally, we showed ex vivo that meconium-induced inflammation was dependent on complement and Toll-like receptors. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of the combined inhibition of complement (C5) and CD14 on systemic inflammation induced in a forceful piglet MAS model. Methods: Thirty piglets were randomly allocated to a treatment group receiving the C5-inhibitor SOBI002 and anti-CD14 (n = 15) and a nontreated control group (n = 15). MAS was induced by intratracheal meconium instillation, and the piglets were observed for 5 h. Complement, cytokines, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured by ELISA. Results: SOBI002 ablated C5 activity and the formation of the terminal complement complex in vivo. The combined inhibition attenuated the inflammasome cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 by 60 (p = 0.029) and 44% (p = 0.01), respectively, and also MPO activity in the bronchoalveolar fluid by 42% (p = 0.017). Ex vivo experiments in human blood revealed that the combined regimen attenuated meconium-induced MPO release by 64% (p = 0.008), but there was only a negligible effect with single inhibition, indicating a synergic cross-talk between the key molecules C5 and CD14. Conclusion: Combined inhibition of C5 and CD14 attenuates meconium-induced inflammation in vivo and this could become a future therapeutic regimen for MAS.