Complement Activation and Effector Pathways in Membranous Nephropathy

Complement activation has long been recognized as a central feature of membranous nephropathy. Evidence for its role has been derived from the detection of complement products in biopsy tissue and urine from membranous nephropathy patients and from mechanistic studies primarily based on the passive Heymann nephritis model. Only recently, more detailed insights into the exact mechanisms of complement activation and effector pathways have been gained from patient data, animal models and in vitro models based on specific target antigens relevant to the human disease.
Source: Kidney International - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: review Source Type: research