Aberrant expression of membrane cofactor protein and decay-accelerating factor in the endothelium of patients with systemic sclerosis. A possible mechanism of vascular damage.

Abstract

In view of the common function of MCP and DAF to protect self cells from autologous C, their decrease or virtual absence from the endothelium of patients with SSc strongly suggests that this deficiency may contribute to vascular damage, resulting in intima proliferation and, finally, fibrosis.