Autoantibodies reactive with glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes in patients with membranous nephropathy.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale & objective

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerular disease caused by autoantibodies reactive with podocyte antigens. The most common antigen is the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), but autoantibodies to other podocyte antigens have also been identified. Investigators have reported elevated levels of complement fragments in plasma. However, most complement fragments generated on podocytes are likely to pass into the urine and not enter the bloodstream. Further, anti-PLA2R antibodies are usually IgG4 subclass and do not activate the classical pathway of complement. To look for additional autoantibodies capable of generating endovascular complement fragments, we examined whether MN patients have antibodies reactive with endothelial cell antigens.

Study desig

SUBMITTER: Petr V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12767797 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature