Here we discuss recent advances in understanding the biochemical, immunologic, and
genetic pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, the most common primary glomerulonephritis.
Current data indicate that at least four processes contribute to development of IgA
nephropathy. Patients with IgA nephropathy often have a genetically determined increase in
circulating levels of IgA1 with galactose-deficient O-glycans in the hinge-region (Hit 1). This
glycosylation aberrancy is, however, not sufficient to induce renal injury. Synthesis and …