33181 C5a and C5aR is prominently associated with tunnels in severe hidradenitis suppurativa

Abstract

Complement dysregulation and neutrophil activation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The presence of tunnels (subcutaneous cavities lined with squamous epithelium) is a feature of the moderate and severe forms of HS. The complement 5a (C5a) receptor (C5aR) is highly expressed on neutrophils and is a major driver of the proinflammatory functions. Avacopan is a potent and specific inhibitor of human C5aR, and was shown to be efficacious and well tolerated in patients with severe HS in a recent phase 2 clinical trial.