An Indirect Immunofluorescence Method Facilitates Detection of Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain-Containing 7A-Specific Antibodies in Membranous Nephropathy.

ABSTRACT: Thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) is a target antigen identified in adult membranous nephropathy (MN) along with the major antigen phospholipase A₂ receptor 1 (PLA₂R1). The prevalence of THSD7A-Ab-positive patients is unknown, and it is unclear whether the clinical presentation differs between patients positive for PLA₂R1-Ab or THSD7A-Ab. We screened serum samples of 1276 patients with MN from three different cohorts for the presence of THSD7A-Ab by Western blot analysis and a newly developed indirect immunofluorescence test (IFT). Compared with Western blot analysis, the IFT had a 92% sensitivity and a 100% specificity. The prevalence of THSD7A-associated MN in a prospective cohort of 345 patients with MN was 2.6%, and most were women. In

SUBMITTER: Hoxha E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5280014 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature