Autoantibodies to the M-type phospholipase A 2 receptor (PLA 2 R) are sensitive and
specific for idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The anti-B cell agent rituximab is a
promising therapy for this disease, but biomarkers of early response to treatment currently
do not exist. Here, we investigated whether levels of anti-PLA 2 R correlate with the
immunological activity of membranous nephropathy, potentially exhibiting a more rapid
response to treatment than clinical parameters such as proteinuria. We measured the …