properdin

Properdin, also known as factor P (FP), is the only known positive regulator of the complement system, functioning by stabilizing the C3 and C5 convertases of the alternative pathway. In the context of cancer immunotherapy, researchers are exploring the use of engineered versions of properdin, such as membrane-anchored properdin (mFP), to amplify the complement cascade within the tumor microenvironment (TME). By expressing mFP on tumor cells, such as pancreatic cancer cells, the deposition of C3 is increased, leading to enhanced complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and remodeling of the TME. This remodeling includes an increase in conventional type 1 dendritic cells and a shift in tumor-associated macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Advanced configurations, including artificial C3 convertase binding sites and intracellular oligomerization domains, have been developed to further improve target cell killing and phagocytosis.

Other names

factor PFPmembrane-anchored properdinmembrane-bound oligomerized FP