Impaired Inflammatory Responses in the Reverse Arthus Reaction Through Genetic Deletion of the C5a Receptor

We recently demonstrated that gene-targeted disruption of the C5a anaphylatoxin receptor prevented lung injury in immune complex–mediated inflammation. In this study, we compare the effect of C5aR deficiency in immune complex–induced inflammation in the peritoneal cavity and skin with the results derived from our immune complex alveolitis model. C5aR- deficient mice exhibit decreased migration of neutrophils and decreased levels of TNF-α and interleukin 6 in the peritoneal reverse passive Arthus reaction compared to their wild-type littermates. In the reverse passive Arthus reaction in the skin the C5aR was also required for the full expression of neutrophil influx and edema formation; C5aR-deficient mice showed reduced neutrophil migration and microvascular permeability changes. In contrast to our studies in immune complex–induced lung inflammation, C5aR deficiency does not completely prevent injury in the peritoneal cavity and skin. These data indicate a dominant role for the C5aR and its ligand in the reverse passive Arthus reaction in the lung and a synergistic role together with other inflammatory mediators in immune complex–mediated peritonitis and skin injury.