New insights into the pathogenesis of membranous glomerulonephritis
P Ronco, H Debiec - Current Opinion in Nephrology and …, 2006 - journals.lww.com
P Ronco, H Debiec
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 2006•journals.lww.comMembranous nephropathy most likely is a heterogeneous disease, although a common
denominator may be that podocytes provide antigenic targets for in-situ formation of
glomerular immune deposits. Identification of neutral endopeptidase and additional
(podocyte) antigens and characterization of their epitopes should make it possible to design
more effective and better tolerated therapies. Fetomaternal alloimmunization is a novel
mechanism of renal disease that may apply to other organs as well.
denominator may be that podocytes provide antigenic targets for in-situ formation of
glomerular immune deposits. Identification of neutral endopeptidase and additional
(podocyte) antigens and characterization of their epitopes should make it possible to design
more effective and better tolerated therapies. Fetomaternal alloimmunization is a novel
mechanism of renal disease that may apply to other organs as well.
Summary
Membranous nephropathy most likely is a heterogeneous disease, although a common denominator may be that podocytes provide antigenic targets for in-situ formation of glomerular immune deposits. Identification of neutral endopeptidase and additional (podocyte) antigens and characterization of their epitopes should make it possible to design more effective and better tolerated therapies. Fetomaternal alloimmunization is a novel mechanism of renal disease that may apply to other organs as well.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins