Idiopathic membranous nephropathy and IgG4: an interesting relationship.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy and IgG4: an interesting relationship.
Clin Nephrol. 2013 Feb 5;
Authors: Filippone EJ
Abstract
Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) is a single-organ autoimmune disease characterized by subepithelial deposition of immune complexes containing IgG4 resulting in proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and, in some, end-stage renal disease. The pathogenesis involves a chronic IgG4 response against specific podocyte antigens which have now been at least partially defined in the neonatal, early childhood, and adult varieties. More has recently been learned about the genetic predisposition as well. This review discusses the pathophysiology of iMN in light of these discoveries and what is known about the genesis and potential clinical ramifications of an antigenspecific IgG4 response.
PMID: 23380389 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Clinical Nephrology - February 5, 2013 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Filippone EJ Tags: Clin Nephrol Source Type: research