1
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Mo Y, Ye Y, Peng L, Sun X, Zhong X, Wu R. The central helicase domain holds the major conformational epitopes of melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 autoantibodies. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1456-1465. [PMID: 37551942 PMCID: PMC11065446 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoantibodies against MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5) serve as a biomarker for DM (dermatomyositis) and indicate a risk factor for interstitial lung disease (ILD). MDA5 is a protein responsible for sensing RNA virus infection and activating signalling pathways against it. However, little is known about the antigen epitopes on MDA5 autoantibodies. We aimed to determine the interaction of the MDA5 autoantibody-antigen epitope. METHODS Cell-based assays (CBAs), immunoprecipitation-immunoblot assays, and various immunoblotting techniques were used in the study. RESULTS We demonstrated that DM patient autoantibodies recognize MDA5 epitopes in a native conformation-dependent manner. Furthermore, we identified the central helicase domain (3Hel) formed by Hel1, Hel2i, Hel2, and pincer as the major epitopes. As proof of principle, the purified 3Hel efficiently absorbed MDA5 autoantibodies from patient sera through immunoprecipitation-immunoblot assay. CONCLUSION Our study uncovered the nature of the antigen epitopes on MDA5 and can provide guidance for diagnosis and a targeted therapeutic approach development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Mo
- Department of Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofen Zhong
- Department of Biotherapy Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Seifert L, Riecken K, Zahner G, Hambach J, Hagenstein J, Dubberke G, Huber TB, Koch-Nolte F, Fehse B, Tomas NM. An antigen-specific chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR) NK cell strategy for the elimination of anti-PLA2R1 and anti-THSD7A antibody-secreting cells. Kidney Int 2024; 105:886-889. [PMID: 38309682 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Seifert
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunther Zahner
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hambach
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Hagenstein
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Dubberke
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Boris Fehse
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola M Tomas
- III: Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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3
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Li SJ, Wu YL, Chen JH, Shen SY, Duan J, Xu HE. Autoimmune diseases: targets, biology, and drug discovery. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:674-685. [PMID: 38097717 PMCID: PMC10943205 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01207-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) arise from a breakdown in immunological self-tolerance, wherein the adaptive immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues and organs. AIDs impose excessive treatment costs and currently rely on non-specific and universal immunosuppression, which only offer symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying causes. AIDs are driven by autoantigens, targeting the autoantigens holds great promise in transforming the treatment of these diseases. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying different AIDs and the identification of specific autoantigens are critical. In this review, we categorize AIDs based on their underlying causes and compile information on autoantigens implicated in each disease, providing a roadmap for the development of novel immunotherapy regimens. We will focus on type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is an autoimmune disease characterized by irreversible destruction of insulin-producing β cells in the Langerhans islets of the pancreas. We will discuss insulin as possible autoantigen of T1D and its role in T1D pathogenesis. Finally, we will review current treatments of TID and propose a potentially effective immunotherapy targeting autoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350000, China.
| | - Yan-Li Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Juan-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shi-Yi Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - H Eric Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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4
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Tomas NM, Schnarre A, Dehde S, Lucas R, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, Kretz O, Koellner SMS, Wiech T, Koch-Nolte F, Seifert L, Huber TB, Zahner G. Introduction of a novel chimeric active immunization mouse model of PLA2R1-associated membranous nephropathy. Kidney Int 2023; 104:916-928. [PMID: 37598854 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) is the major target antigen in patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), an antibody-mediated autoimmune glomerular disease. Investigation of MN pathogenesis has been hampered by the lack of reliable animal models. Here, we overcome this issue by generating a transgenic mouse line expressing a chimeric PLA2R1 (chPLA2R1) consisting of three human PLA2R1 domains (cysteine-rich, fibronectin type-II and CTLD1) and seven murine PLA2R1 domains (CTLD2-8) specifically in podocytes. Mice expressing the chPLA2R1 were healthy at birth and showed no major glomerular alterations when compared to mice with a wild-type PLA2R1 status. Upon active immunization with human PLA2R1 (hPLA2R1), chPLA2R1-positive mice developed anti-hPLA2R1 antibodies, a nephrotic syndrome, and all major histological features of MN, including granular deposition of mouse IgG and complement components in immunofluorescence and subepithelial electron-dense deposits and podocyte foot process effacement in electron microscopy. In order to investigate the role of the complement system in this model, we further crossed chPLA2R1-positive mice with mice lacking the central complement component C3 (C3-/- mice). Upon immunization with hPLA2R1, chPLA2R1-positive C3-/- mice had substantially less severe albuminuria and nephrotic syndrome when compared to chPLA2R1-positive mice with a wild-type C3 status. In conclusion, we introduce a novel active immunization model of PLA2R1-associated MN and demonstrate a pathogenic role of the complement system in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Tomas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Annabel Schnarre
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Dehde
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lucas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Center of Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Kretz
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah M S Koellner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, Nephropathology Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Seifert
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunther Zahner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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5
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Shen K, Chen B, Yang L, Gao W. Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data reveals the prognostic value and molecular function of THSD7A in gastric cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11940-11969. [PMID: 37905960 PMCID: PMC10683630 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The biological role and prognostic value of thrombospondin domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) in gastric cancer remain unclear. Our purpose was to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the functioning of THSD7A and its prognostic value in gastric cancer. Gastric cancer-associated single cell and bulk RNA sequencing data obtained from two databases, were analyzed. We used bulk RNA sequencing to examine the differential expression of THSD7A in gastric cancer and normal gastric tissues and explored the relationship between THSD7A expression and clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox analyses revealed the prognostic value of THSD7A. Gene set enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were used to determine the cancer-promoting mechanisms of THSD7A and its effect on the immune microenvironment. We explored the relationship between THSD7A expression and sensitivity of anti-tumor drugs and immune checkpoint levels. Biological functions of THSD7A were validated at single-cell and in vitro levels. THSD7A expression was significantly increased in gastric cancer samples. High THSD7A expression was associated with poor clinical phenotypes and prognoses. Cox analysis showed that THSD7A was an independent risk factor for patients with gastric cancer. Enrichment analysis suggested that epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inflammatory responses may be potential pro-cancer mechanisms of THSD7A. Upregulation of THSD7A promoted infiltration by M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells. High THSD7A expression suppressed the sensitivity of patients with gastric cancer to drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, and cisplatin, and upregulated immune checkpoints, such as HAVCR2, PDCD1LG2, TIGIT, and CTLA4. At the single cell level, THSD7A was an endothelial cell-associated gene and endothelial cells overexpressing THSD7A showed unique pro-oncogenic effects. In vitro experiments confirmed that THSD7A was overexpressed in gastric cancer samples and cells, and that knocking out THSD7A significantly inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion. THSD7A overexpression may be a unique prognostic marker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer. Therefore, our study provides a new perspective on the precise treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyu Shen
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Binyu Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Liu Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wencang Gao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310005, China
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6
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Jiang S, Jiang D, Lian Z, Huang X, Li T, Zhang Y. THSD7A as a Promising Biomarker for Membranous Nephrosis. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00934-5. [PMID: 37884765 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00934-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease of the kidney glomerulus and one of the leading causes of nephrotic syndrome. The disease exhibits heterogeneous outcomes with approximately 30% of cases progressing to end-stage renal disease. Traditionally, the standard approach of diagnosing MN involves performing a kidney biopsy. Nevertheless, kidney biopsy is an invasive procedure that poses risks for the patient including bleeding and pain, and bears greater costs for the health system. The clinical management of MN has steadily advanced owing to the identification of autoantibodies to the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in 2009 and thrombospondin domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) in 2014 on the podocyte surface. At present, serum anti-PLA2R antibody detection and glomerular PLA2R antigen staining have been used for clinical diagnosis and prognosis, but the related detection of THSD7A has not been widely used in clinical practice. Here, we summarized the emerging knowledge regarding the roles THSD7A plays in MN and its clinical implications as diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic response as well as Methods for detecting serum THSD7A antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuiqing Jiang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China.
| | - Dehua Jiang
- Kangrun Biotech LTD, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyuan Lian
- Kangrun Biotech LTD, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Developmental and Neural Biology, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China
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7
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Burbelo PD, Olson SW, Keller JM, Joshi M, Schwartz DM, Chuang YJ, Lambeau G, Beck LH, Waldman M. Prediagnostic Appearance of Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain 7A Autoantibodies in Membranous Nephropathy. KIDNEY360 2023; 4:217-225. [PMID: 36821613 PMCID: PMC10103354 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0005112022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Key Points
The entire extracellular domain of thrombospondin type-1 domain 7A (THSD7A) in the luciferase immunoprecipitation system immunoassay was required to detect autoantibodies with high sensitivity in membranous nephropathy (MN).In THSD7A-seropositive MN patients, changes in antibody levels precede changes in clinical status.Seropositive THSD7A antibodies were detected in some patients with MN considered to be secondary to autoimmunity or cancer.
Background
Pathogenic autoantibodies against thrombospondin type-1 domain 7A (THSD7A) are present in approximately 3% of patients with membranous nephropathy (MN). Compared with PLA2R antibodies, less is known about THSD7A autoantibodies (ABs) because of the relative rarity and the lack of a commercially available quantitative immunoassay.
Methods
In this study, we describe the development and validation of a highly quantitative luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay for detecting THSD7A ABs and used it to study dominant THSD7A epitopes, disease associations, and monitoring disease activity. The Department of Defense Serum Repository (DODSR) was then used to analyze THSD7A AB in 371 longitudinal serum samples collected before clinical diagnosis of MN from 110 PLA2R-negative MN subjects.
Results
LIPS analysis demonstrated that a near full-length THSD7A (amino acids 1–1656) detected robust autoantibody levels in all known seropositive MN patients with 100% sensitivity and specificity compared with ELISA and/or Western blotting. Most of the THSD7A-seropositive subjects in our pilot cohort had evidence of coexisting autoimmunity or cancer. Moreover, three THSD7A-seropositive patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy showed longitudinal autoantibody levels that tracked clinical status. Additional epitope analysis of two smaller protein THSD7A fragments spanning amino acids 1-416 and 1-671 demonstrated lower sensitivity of 32% and 44%, respectively. In the DODSR cohort, THSD7A seropositivity was detected in 4.5% of PLA2R-negative MN patients. In one primary and in one secondary MN-associated with cancer, THSD7A ABs were detectable <1 month before biopsy-proven diagnosis. In addition, three patients with lupus membranous nephropathy had detectable THSD7A ABs years before hypoalbuminemia and biopsy-proven diagnosis.
Conclusions
Although further studies are needed to explore the significance of THSD7A ABs in lupus membranous nephropathy, this study describes a novel, highly sensitive LIPS immunoassay for detecting THSD7A ABs and adds to the existing literature on THSD7A-associated MN.
Clinical Trial registry name and registration number:
NCT00977977; registration date: September 16, 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Burbelo
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stephen W Olson
- Nephrology Department, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jason M Keller
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megha Joshi
- Nephrology Department, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Daniella M Schwartz
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yung-Jen Chuang
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Gérard Lambeau
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Laurence H Beck
- Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meryl Waldman
- Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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8
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Seifert L, Zahner G, Meyer-Schwesinger C, Hickstein N, Dehde S, Wulf S, Köllner SMS, Lucas R, Kylies D, Froembling S, Zielinski S, Kretz O, Borodovsky A, Biniaminov S, Wang Y, Cheng H, Koch-Nolte F, Zipfel PF, Hopfer H, Puelles VG, Panzer U, Huber TB, Wiech T, Tomas NM. The classical pathway triggers pathogenic complement activation in membranous nephropathy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:473. [PMID: 36709213 PMCID: PMC9884226 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by glomerular immune complexes containing complement components. However, both the initiation pathways and the pathogenic significance of complement activation in MN are poorly understood. Here, we show that components from all three complement pathways (alternative, classical and lectin) are found in renal biopsies from patients with MN. Proximity ligation assays to directly visualize complement assembly in the tissue reveal dominant activation via the classical pathway, with a close correlation to the degree of glomerular C1q-binding IgG subclasses. In an antigen-specific autoimmune mouse model of MN, glomerular damage and proteinuria are reduced in complement-deficient mice compared with wild-type littermates. Severe disease with progressive ascites, accompanied by extensive loss of the integral podocyte slit diaphragm proteins, nephrin and neph1, only occur in wild-type animals. Finally, targeted silencing of C3 using RNA interference after the onset of proteinuria significantly attenuates disease. Our study shows that, in MN, complement is primarily activated via the classical pathway and targeting complement components such as C3 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Seifert
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunther Zahner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Meyer-Schwesinger
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Naemi Hickstein
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Dehde
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sonia Wulf
- Institute of Pathology, Nephropathology Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah M S Köllner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lucas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Kylies
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Froembling
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zielinski
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Kretz
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Yanyan Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Division of Nephrology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Helmut Hopfer
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victor G Puelles
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulf Panzer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Nephropathology Section, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola M Tomas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. .,Hamburg Center for Kidney Health (HCKH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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9
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Chung EYM, Wang YM, Keung K, Hu M, McCarthy H, Wong G, Kairaitis L, Bose B, Harris DCH, Alexander SI. Membranous nephropathy: Clearer pathology and mechanisms identify potential strategies for treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1036249. [PMID: 36405681 PMCID: PMC9667740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1036249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is one of the common causes of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome and is characterized by autoantibodies against podocyte antigens causing in situ immune complex deposition. Much of our understanding of the disease mechanisms underpinning this kidney-limited autoimmune disease originally came from studies of Heymann nephritis, a rat model of PMN, where autoantibodies against megalin produced a similar disease phenotype though megalin is not implicated in human disease. In PMN, the major target antigen was identified to be M-type phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R) in 2009. Further utilization of mass spectrometry on immunoprecipitated glomerular extracts and laser micro dissected glomeruli has allowed the rapid discovery of other antigens (thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A, neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein, semaphorin 3B, protocadherin 7, high temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1, netrin G1) targeted by autoantibodies in PMN. Despite these major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of PMN, treatments remain non-specific, often ineffective, or toxic. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the immune mechanisms driving PMN from animal models and clinical studies, and the implications on the development of future targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Y. M. Chung
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Edmund Y. M. Chung,
| | - Yuan M. Wang
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Keung
- Department of Nephrology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Min Hu
- The Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Hugh McCarthy
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Germaine Wong
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Lukas Kairaitis
- Department of Nephrology, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
| | - Bhadran Bose
- Department of Nephrology, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
| | - David C. H. Harris
- The Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute of Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen I. Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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10
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Huang G, Liu F, Yu L, Wang J, Chen J, Mao J. Pediatric membranous nephropathy: In the novel antigens era. Front Immunol 2022; 13:962502. [PMID: 36016931 PMCID: PMC9396344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.962502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) falls within the scope of a glomerular disease. MN exhibits subepithelial immune- complex deposition and capillary wall thickening which could occur in all age groups. In comparison with adult patients with MN, MN in pediatric population has a lower incidence and more secondary factors (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, infection, malignancy, or drug toxicity). Two target antigens for the immune complexes, PLA2R (identified in 2009) and THSD7A (in 2014), found in previous studies and first presented in adult MN, are found in pediatric patients suffering from MN and their antibodies are now an effective tool for diagnosis and monitoring in children and adolescents. Several novel antigens have been identified (e.g., EXT1/EXT2, NELL1, Sema3B, PCDH7, HTRA1, and NCAM1) over the past few years. Each of them represents different clinical and pathologic findings. In-depth research should be conducted to gain insights into the outcomes and pathophysiology of the above novel antigen-associated MN. Targeted treatment opinions for different novel antigen-related MN are under development both in adults and pediatric patients.
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11
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Teisseyre M, Cremoni M, Boyer-Suavet S, Ruetsch C, Graça D, Esnault VLM, Brglez V, Seitz-Polski B. Advances in the Management of Primary Membranous Nephropathy and Rituximab-Refractory Membranous Nephropathy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:859419. [PMID: 35603210 PMCID: PMC9114510 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.859419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is an auto-immune disease characterized by auto-antibodies targeting podocyte antigens resulting in activation of complement and damage to the glomerular basement membrane. pMN is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults without diabetes. Despite a very heterogeneous course of the disease, the treatment of pMN has for many years been based on uniform management of all patients regardless of the severity of the disease. The identification of prognostic markers has radically changed the vision of pMN and allowed KDIGO guidelines to evolve in 2021 towards a more personalized management based on the assessment of the risk of progressive loss of kidney function. The recognition of pMN as an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease has rationalized the use immunosuppressive drugs such as rituximab. Rituximab is now a first line immunosuppressive therapy for patients with pMN with proven safety and efficacy achieving remission in 60-80% of patients. For the remaining 20-40% of patients, several mechanisms may explain rituximab resistance: (i) decreased rituximab bioavailability; (ii) immunization against rituximab; and (iii) chronic glomerular damage. The treatment of patients with rituximab-refractory pMN remains controversial and challenging. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the management of pMN (according to the KDIGO 2021 guidelines), in the understanding of the pathophysiology of rituximab resistance, and in the management of rituximab-refractory pMN. We propose a treatment decision aid based on immunomonitoring to identify failures related to underdosing or immunization against rituximab to overcome treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Teisseyre
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de la Côte d’Azur (UR2CA), Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Marion Cremoni
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de la Côte d’Azur (UR2CA), Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Sonia Boyer-Suavet
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de la Côte d’Azur (UR2CA), Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Caroline Ruetsch
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Daisy Graça
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de la Côte d’Azur (UR2CA), Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Vincent L. M. Esnault
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Service de Néphrologie-Dialyse-Transplantation, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Vesna Brglez
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de la Côte d’Azur (UR2CA), Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
| | - Barbara Seitz-Polski
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Syndrome Néphrotique Idiopathique, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Unité de Recherche Clinique de la Côte d’Azur (UR2CA), Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Service de Néphrologie-Dialyse-Transplantation, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
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12
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Membranous nephropathy: new pathogenic mechanisms and their clinical implications. Nat Rev Nephrol 2022; 18:466-478. [PMID: 35484394 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-022-00564-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is characterized histomorphologically by the presence of immune deposits in the subepithelial space of the glomerular filtration barrier; its clinical hallmarks are nephrotic range proteinuria with oedema. In patients with primary MN, autoimmunity is driven by circulating autoantibodies that bind to one or more antigens on the surface of glomerular podocytes. Compared with other autoimmune kidney diseases, the understanding of the pathogenesis of MN has substantially improved in the past decade, thanks to the discovery of pathogenic circulating autoantibodies against phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) and thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing protein 7A (THSD7A). The subsequent identification of more proteins associated with MN, some of which are also endogenous podocyte antigens, might further advance the clinical characterization of MN, including its diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Insights from studies in patients with MN, combined with the development of novel in vivo and in vitro experimental models, have potential to improve the management of patients with MN. Characterizing the interaction between autoimmunity and local glomerular lesions provides an opportunity to develop more specific, pathogenesis-based treatments.
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13
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Köllner SMS, Seifert L, Zahner G, Tomas NM. Strategies Towards Antigen-Specific Treatments for Membranous Nephropathy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822508. [PMID: 35185913 PMCID: PMC8850405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a rare but potentially severe autoimmune disease and a major cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Traditional treatments for patients with MN include steroids with alkylating agents such as cyclophosphamide or calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine, which have an undesirable side effect profile. Newer therapies like rituximab, although superior to cyclosporine in maintaining disease remission, do not only affect pathogenic B or plasma cells, but also inhibit the production of protective antibodies and therefore the ability to fend off foreign organisms and to respond to vaccination. These are undesired effects of general B or plasma cell-targeted treatments. The discovery of several autoantigens in patients with MN offers the great opportunity for more specific treatment approaches. Indeed, such treatments were recently developed for other autoimmune diseases and tested in different preclinical models, and some are about to jump to clinical practice. As such treatments have enormous potential to enhance specificity, efficacy and compatibility also for MN, we will discuss two promising strategies in this perspective: The elimination of pathogenic antibodies through endogenous degradation systems and the depletion of pathogenic B cells through chimeric autoantibody receptor T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M S Köllner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Larissa Seifert
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gunther Zahner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola M Tomas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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14
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Caza TN, Al-Rabadi LF, Beck LH. How Times Have Changed! A Cornucopia of Antigens for Membranous Nephropathy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:800242. [PMID: 34899763 PMCID: PMC8662735 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.800242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of the major target antigen phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in the majority of primary (idiopathic) cases of membranous nephropathy (MN) has been followed by the rapid identification of numerous minor antigens that appear to define phenotypically distinct forms of disease. This article serves to review all the known antigens that have been shown to localize to subepithelial deposits in MN, as well as the distinctive characteristics associated with each subtype of MN. We will also shed light on the novel proteomic approaches that have allowed identification of the most recent antigens. The paradigm of an antigen normally expressed on the podocyte cell surface leading to in-situ immune complex formation, complement activation, and subsequent podocyte injury will be discussed and challenged in light of the current repertoire of multiple MN antigens. Since disease phenotypes associated with each individual target antigens can often blur the distinction between primary and secondary disease, we encourage the use of antigen-based classification of membranous nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laith F. Al-Rabadi
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology & Hypertension), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Laurence H. Beck
- Department of Medicine (Nephrology), Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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15
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Liu W, Huang G, Rui H, Geng J, Hu H, Huang Y, Huo G, Liu B, Xu A. Course monitoring of membranous nephropathy: Both autoantibodies and podocytes require multidimensional attention. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 21:102976. [PMID: 34757091 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A variety of podocyte antigens have been identified in human membranous nephropathy (MN), which is divided into various antigen-dominated subtypes, confirming the concept that MN is the common pattern of glomerular injury in multiple autoimmune responses. The detection of autoantibodies has been widely used, which promoted the clinical practice of MN toward personalized precision medicine. However, given the potential risks of immunosuppressive therapy, more autoantibodies and biomarkers need to be identified to predict the prognosis and therapeutic response of MN more accurately. In this review, we attempted to summarize the autoantigens/autoantibodies and autoimmune mechanisms that can predict disease states based on the current understanding of MN pathogenesis, especially the podocyte injury manifestations. In conclusion, both the autoimmune response and podocyte injury require multidimensional attention in the disease course of MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangrui Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongliang Rui
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Geng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yujiao Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guiyang Huo
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Baoli Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Anlong Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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16
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Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerular disease that can occur at all ages. In adults, it is the most frequent cause of nephrotic syndrome. In ~80% of patients, there is no underlying cause of MN (primary MN) and the remaining cases are associated with medications or other diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis virus infection or malignancies. MN is an autoimmune disease characterized by a thickening of the glomerular capillary walls due to immune complex deposition. Identification of the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) as the major antigen in adults in 2009 induced a paradigm shift in disease diagnosis and monitoring and several other antigens have since been characterized. Disease outcome is difficult to predict and around one-third of patients will undergo spontaneous remission. In those at high risk of progression, immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide plus corticosteroids has substantially reduced the need for kidney replacement therapy. Owing to carcinogenic risk, other treatments (calcineurin inhibitors and CD20-targeted B cell depletion therapy (rituximab)) have been developed. However, disease relapses are frequent when calcineurin inhibitors are stopped and the remission rate with rituximab is lower than with cyclophosphamide, particularly in patients with high PLA2R antibody titres. Other new drugs are already available and antigen-specific immunotherapies are being developed.
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17
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Reinhard L, Thomas C, Machalitza M, Lattwein E, Weiss LS, Vitu J, Wiech T, Stahl RAK, Hoxha E. Characterization of THSD7A-antibodies not binding to glomerular THSD7A in a patient with diabetes mellitus but no membranous nephropathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16188. [PMID: 34376704 PMCID: PMC8355258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies against the podocyte antigens phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing protein 7A (THSD7A) in 80% and 2–3% of patients, respectively. THSD7A antibodies are considered to be pathogenic and highly specific for MN patients. Using an indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) we detected THSD7A-antibodies (titre 1:10) in the serum of a patient with high proteinuria who, however, in the kidney biopsy was diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy and MN was excluded as a possible cause of proteinuria. Different immunofluorescence assays and Western blot techniques using recombinant THSD7A (rTHSD7A) or THSD7A from different human tissues revealed that the circulating THSD7A-autoantibodies were only of the IgG3 subclass. The patient serum reacted exclusively with rTHSD7A and only when the antigen was present in reducing Western blot conditions, or on formaldehyde-fixed cells for the IIFT. Our findings show for the first time the existence of circulating THSD7A-antibodies recognizing denatured/reduced rTHSD7A, which do not react with glomerular THSD7A in vivo and are thus presumptively non-pathogenic. As a consequence, kidney biopsy or Western blot analyses of THSD7A under non-reducing conditions should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of THSD7A-associated MN, especially in cases with low THSD7A-antibody levels in the IIFT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Reinhard
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cindy Thomas
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, EUROIMMUN AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maya Machalitza
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Erik Lattwein
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, EUROIMMUN AG, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lothar S Weiss
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Vitu
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum Hamburg-Sinstorf der MVZ gGmbH der PHV, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wiech
- Institute of Pathology, Section Nephropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf A K Stahl
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elion Hoxha
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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18
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A Novel Insight into the Role of PLA2R and THSD7A in Membranous Nephropathy. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:8163298. [PMID: 34337081 PMCID: PMC8298181 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8163298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an organ-restricted autoimmune disease mainly caused by circulating autoantibodies against podocyte antigens, including the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin domain-containing 7A (THSD7A). Antibodies against PLA2R are present in 70%-80% and against THSD7A in 2% of adult patients, which provides a paradigm shift in molecular diagnosis and management monitoring. Both antigens share some similar characteristics: they are expressed by podocytes and have wide tissue distributions; they are bound by autoantibodies only under nonreducing conditions, and the subtype of most autoantibodies is IgG4. However, the factors triggering autoantibody production as well as the association among air pollution, malignancy, and the pathogenesis of MN remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the similarity between the pathological mechanisms triggered by disparate antigens and their associated diseases. Furthermore, we demonstrated the possibility that PM2.5, malignancy, and gene expression specifically induce exposure of these antigens through conformational changes, molecular mimicry, or increased expression eliciting autoimmune responses. Thus, this review provides novel insights into the pathological mechanism of MN.
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19
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Li SS, Tang DE, Dai Y. Advances in antigens associated with Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy. J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 120:1941-1948. [PMID: 34244038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Idiopathic MN (IMN), one of the forms of MN, usually has an unknown etiology. IMN is described as an autoimmune disease, and its pathogenesis is quite complex. The discovery of the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) plays an important role in promoting our understanding of IMN, although the exact mechanisms of its occurrence and development are still not completely clear. Other target antigens have been discovered one after another, as considerable progress has been made in the molecular pathomechanisms of IMN. Here, we review the findings about the target antigens associated with IMN in recent years. It is hoped that this article can provide researchers with some scientific issues or innovative ideas for future studies of IMN, which will provide clinicians with more knowledge about further improving their abilities to provide better medical care for IMN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China
| | - Dong-E Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China.
| | - Yong Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China.
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20
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Tomas NM, Mortensen SA, Wilmanns M, Huber TB. Across scales: novel insights into kidney health and disease by structural biology. Kidney Int 2021; 100:281-288. [PMID: 33940110 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, structural biology methods such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy have been increasingly used to study protein functions, molecular interactions, physiological processes, and disease mechanisms. This review outlines a selection of structural biology methods, highlights recent examples of how structural analyses have contributed to a more profound understanding of the machinery of life, and gives a perspective on how these methods can be applied to investigate functions of kidney molecules and pathogenic mechanisms of renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola M Tomas
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon A Mortensen
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Wilmanns
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany; University Hamburg Clinical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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21
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Abstract
The identification of the phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A (THSD7A) as podocyte antigens in adult patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) has strongly impacted both experimental and clinical research on this disease. Evidence has been furnished that podocyte-directed autoantibodies can cause MN, and novel PLA2R- and THSD7A-specific animal models have been developed. Today, measurement of serum autoantibody levels and staining of kidney biopsies for the target antigens guides MN diagnosis and treatment worldwide. Additionally, anti-PLA2R antibodies have been proven to be valuable prognostic biomarkers in MN. Despite these impressive advances, a variety of questions regarding the disease pathomechanisms, clinical use of antibody measurement, and future treatments remain unanswered. In this review, we will outline recent advances made in the field of MN and discuss open questions and perspectives with a focus on novel antigen identification, mechanisms of podocyte injury, clinical use of antibody measurement to guide diagnosis and treatment, and the potential of innovative, pathogenesis-based treatment strategies.
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22
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Lutz J. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of membranous nephropathy. Nephrol Ther 2021; 17S:S1-S10. [PMID: 33910688 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome is in adult patients mainly due to membranous nephropathy (MN) characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and immune complex formation between podocytes and the GBM. Autoantibodies directed against the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin 1 domain-containing 7 A (THSD7A) can be used as diagnostic biomarkers. THSD7A seems to be of direct pathogenic significance as is suggested by experimental models and plasmapheresis in humans. Recently, further antigens like NELL-1 (neural tissue encoding protein with EGF-like repeats-1), exostosin 1 and 2 have been discovered. Thus, MN should be classified into antibody positive and antibody negative MN. More specific immunosuppressive treatments directed against B-cells and antibody production like rituximab have been introduced in addition to already existing immunosuppressive protocols including steroids, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, and calcineurin inhibitors. Antibody removal using immunoadsorption or plasmapheresis leads to short-term reduction in proteinuria and might be indicated only in patients with very severe proteinuria and complications. Studies are needed to identify a more specific immunosuppression directed against the production and effects of autoantibodies in order to protect the kidneys from autoimmune mediated tissue damage and to identify patients who require an immunosuppressive treatment, as the remission rate is high in patients with MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Lutz
- Medical Clinic, Nephrology-Infectious Diseases, Central Rhine hospital group, Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein, Koblenzer Straße 115-155, 56073 Koblenz, Germany.
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Mechanisms of Primary Membranous Nephropathy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040513. [PMID: 33808418 PMCID: PMC8065962 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease of the kidney glomerulus and one of the leading causes of nephrotic syndrome. The disease exhibits heterogenous outcomes with approximately 30% of cases progressing to end-stage renal disease. The clinical management of MN has steadily advanced owing to the identification of autoantibodies to the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) in 2009 and thrombospondin domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) in 2014 on the podocyte surface. Approximately 50–80% and 3–5% of primary MN (PMN) cases are associated with either anti-PLA2R or anti-THSD7A antibodies, respectively. The presence of these autoantibodies is used for MN diagnosis; antibody levels correlate with disease severity and possess significant biomarker values in monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Importantly, both autoantibodies are causative to MN. Additionally, evidence is emerging that NELL-1 is associated with 5–10% of PMN cases that are PLA2R- and THSD7A-negative, which moves us one step closer to mapping out the full spectrum of PMN antigens. Recent developments suggest exostosin 1 (EXT1), EXT2, NELL-1, and contactin 1 (CNTN1) are associated with MN. Genetic factors and other mechanisms are in place to regulate these factors and may contribute to MN pathogenesis. This review will discuss recent developments over the past 5 years.
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Safar-Boueri L, Piya A, Beck LH, Ayalon R. Membranous nephropathy: diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring in the post-PLA2R era. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:19-30. [PMID: 31811540 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-019-04425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune complex-mediated cause of the nephrotic syndrome that can occur in all age groups, from infants to the very elderly. However, nephrotic syndrome in children is more frequently caused by conditions such as minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and much less commonly by MN. While systemic conditions such as lupus or infections such as hepatitis B may more commonly be associated as secondary causes with MN in the younger population, primary or "idiopathic" MN has generally been considered a disease of adults. Autoantibodies both to the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and to thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A), initially described in adult MN, have now been identified in children and adolescents with MN and serve as a useful diagnostic and monitoring tool in this younger population as well. Whereas definitive therapy for secondary forms of MN should be targeted at the underlying cause, immunosuppressive therapy is often necessary for primary disease. Rituximab has been successfully used in the treatment of MN, and is likely effective in children with MN as well, although dosing in the pediatric population is not well established. This review highlights the new findings in adult and pediatric MN since last reviewed in this journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Safar-Boueri
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Albina Piya
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Laurence H Beck
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Rivka Ayalon
- Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Reinhard L, Stahl RAK, Hoxha E. Is primary membranous nephropathy a complement mediated disease? Mol Immunol 2020; 128:195-204. [PMID: 33142137 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune complex mediated disease. Although limited to the kidney, in up to 20% of patients MN is associated with other autoimmune, infectious or malignant diseases. The initial pathogenetic event in what is still considered "primary" MN is the binding of circulating autoantibodies to proteins (autoantigens) expressed in glomerular podocytes. This antibody binding leads to the formation of immune complexes in the glomerular basement membrane. There is clinical and experimental evidence that these immune deposits lead to the activation of the complement system. Experimental studies in the MN model of Heymann's nephritis show that the terminal membrane attack complex (MAC) of the complement system induces a disturbance of the glomerular filtration barrier and leads to proteinuria, the clinical hallmark of MN. After the discovery of the phospholipase A2 receptor 1 and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing protein 7A as endogenous antigens, it is assumed that IgG4 antibodies directed against these proteins induce MN in over 85% of patients with primary MN. As a result, the role of complement in the pathogenesis of MN needs to be defined in light of these developments. In this review we describe the current knowledge on the function of the complement system in primary MN and discuss the open questions, which have to be solved for a better understanding of the potential role of complement in the pathophysiology of primary MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Reinhard
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf A K Stahl
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Elion Hoxha
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Liu W, Gao C, Liu Z, Dai H, Feng Z, Dong Z, Zheng Y, Gao Y, Tian X, Liu B. Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy: Glomerular Pathological Pattern Caused by Extrarenal Immunity Activity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1846. [PMID: 33042109 PMCID: PMC7524879 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) is a pathological pattern of glomerular damage caused by an autoimmune response. Immune complex deposition, thickness of glomerular basement membrane, and changes in the podocyte morphology are responsible for the development of proteinuria, which is caused by the targeted binding of auto-antibodies to podocytes. Several auto-antigens have recently been identified in IMN, including M-type receptor for secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2R1), thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A), and neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1). The measurement of peripheral circulating antibodies has become an important clinical reference index. However, some clinical features of IMN remain elusive and need to be further investigated, such as the autoimmunity initiation, IgG4 predominance, spontaneous remission, and the unique glomerular lesion. As these unresolved issues are closely related to clinical practice, we have proposed a hypothetical pathogenesis model of IMN. Induced by environmental stimuli or other causes, the PLA2R1 antigen and/or THSD7A antigen exposed to extrarenal tissues, such as lungs, then produce the auto-antibodies that target and cause damage to the podocytes in circulation. In this review, we highlighted the potential association between environmental stimuli, immune activity, and glomerular lesions, the underlying basis for spontaneous immune and proteinuria remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Gao
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Basic Medical College, Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Haoran Dai
- Beijing Chinese Medicine Hospital PingGu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Feng
- Shunyi Branch, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaocheng Dong
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefei Tian
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Baoli Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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27
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Koneczny I. Update on IgG4-mediated autoimmune diseases: New insights and new family members. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 19:102646. [PMID: 32801046 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies of IgG4 subclass are exceptional players of the immune system, as they are considered to be immunologically inert and functionally monovalent, and as such may be part of classical tolerance mechanisms. IgG4 antibodies are found in a range of different diseases, including IgG4-related diseases, allergy, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, helminth infection and IgG4 autoimmune diseases, where they may be pathogenic or protective. IgG4 autoimmune diseases are an emerging new group of diseases that are characterized by pathogenic, antigen-specific autoantibodies of IgG4 subclass, such as MuSK myasthenia gravis, pemphigus vulgaris and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The list of IgG4 autoantigens is rapidly growing and to date contains 29 candidate antigens. Interestingly, IgG4 autoimmune diseases are restricted to four distinct organs: 1) the central and peripheral nervous system, 2) the kidney, 3) the skin and mucous membranes and 4) the vascular system and soluble antigens in the blood circulation. The pathogenicity of IgG4 can be validated using our classification system, and is usually excerted by functional blocking of protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Koneczny
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingergürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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28
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Continuous expansion of our knowledge in the pathogenesis of membranous nephropathy possible by the identification of antibodies recognized specific podocytes antigens results in unprecedent patient management strategy. RECENT FINDINGS Circulating anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and anti-thrombospondin domain 7A (THSD7A) antibodies strongly relate with the modifications of podocytes biology leading to the new molecular diagnosis of membranous nephropathy. Immunization against THSD7A involves extra-renal mechanism. However, the pathway of anti-PLA2R immunization still remains unresolved. Experimental data highlight the crucial role of THSD7A in the attachment of podocytes to the glomerular basement membrane, rewarding the THSD7A pathogenicity, whereas the third of Koch's postulates is still not fulfilled for anti-PLA2R antibodies. The anti-PLA2R antibodies epitope spreading will possibly be even more specific marker improving the molecular classification of membranous nephropathy. Two immune epitopes have been identified in the N-terminal tail of THSD7A but without evidence of epitope spreading as for anti-PLA2R. SUMMARY In 2019, the Kidney Diseases: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines recognized anti-PLA2R antibodies (but not anti-THSD7A antibodies) as a valuable molecular risk factor for the pejorative evolution of kidney function and recommended their monitoring for the diagnosis and the assessment of membranous nephropathy immune activity. Screening for malignancy is particularly advised in THSD7A-mediated membranous nephropathy.
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Trujillo H, Alonso M, Praga M. New Ways of Understanding Membranous Nephropathy. Nephron Clin Pract 2020; 144:261-271. [PMID: 32229730 DOI: 10.1159/000506948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, great advances have been made in the field of membranous nephropathy (MN). The autoimmune nature of the disease has been confirmed with the description of diverse antigens, and few but very important prospective trials regarding treatment alternatives have been published, changing profoundly the way we understand this entity. Nowadays, an individualized therapeutic scheme based on clinical and serologic data appears to be the most appropriate method to manage patients with MN. Although there is still a long way to go, it is expected that future scientific progress will enable a patient-centered medicine based on concept-driven therapies. SUMMARY MN is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in white adults. Approximately one-third of patients achieve spontaneous remission, one-third remain stable, and one-third have an aggressive course with persistent NS and deterioration of renal function. About 80% of patients have circulating autoantibodies to phospholipase A2 receptor 1. Numerous therapies have been described including alkylating agents, rituximab, and calcineurin inhibitors, but new drugs are currently being explored. Here, we review the most important aspects regarding MN with an emphasis on results of the most recent clinical trials and pathophysiologic advances. Key Messages: 1. Evolving pathophysiologic concepts and recently published clinical trials have deeply changed our view of MN. 2. Most patients with MN present autoantibodies against diverse glomerular antigens. 3. Currently, an individual patient-centered management based on clinical and serologic markers is the most adequate approach to treat patients with MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernando Trujillo
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain.,Investigation Institute of University Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Alonso
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Praga
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital "12 de Octubre", Madrid, Spain, .,Investigation Institute of University Hospital "12 de Octubre" (imas12), Madrid, Spain, .,Department of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain,
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30
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Doghman-Bouguerra M, Finetti P, Durand N, Parise IZS, Sbiera S, Cantini G, Canu L, Hescot S, Figueiredo MMO, Komechen H, Sbiera I, Nesi G, Paci A, Al Ghuzlan A, Birnbaum D, Baudin E, Luconi M, Fassnacht M, Figueiredo BC, Bertucci F, Lalli E. Cancer-testis Antigen FATE1 Expression in Adrenocortical Tumors Is Associated with A Pervasive Autoimmune Response and Is A Marker of Malignancy in Adult, but Not Children, ACC. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030689. [PMID: 32183347 PMCID: PMC7140037 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The SF-1 transcription factor target gene FATE1 encodes a cancer-testis antigen that has an important role in regulating apoptosis and response to chemotherapy in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cells. Autoantibodies directed against FATE1 were previously detected in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of circulating anti-FATE1 antibodies in pediatric and adult patients with adrenocortical tumors using three different methods (immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot). Our results show that a pervasive anti-FATE1 immune response is present in those patients. Furthermore, FATE1 expression is a robust prognostic indicator in adult patients with ACC and is associated with increased steroidogenic and decreased immune response gene expression. These data can open perspectives for novel strategies in ACC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabrouka Doghman-Bouguerra
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 660 route des Lucioles-Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.D.-B.); (N.D.)
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Prédictive, CRCM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, 232 Bd. Ste-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France; (P.F.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Nelly Durand
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, 660 route des Lucioles-Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; (M.D.-B.); (N.D.)
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
| | - Ivy Zortéa S. Parise
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
- Department, Pelé Pequeno Principe Research Institute, 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 2 Josef-Schneider-Straße, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.S.); (I.S.); (M.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 6 Josef-Schneider-Straße, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Cantini
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 6 viale Pieraccini, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Letizia Canu
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 6 viale Pieraccini, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Ségolène Hescot
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Institut Curie, 35 rue Dailly, 92210 Saint Cloud, France;
| | - Mirna M. O. Figueiredo
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
- Department, Pelé Pequeno Principe Research Institute, 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Komechen
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
- Department, Pelé Pequeno Principe Research Institute, 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil
| | - Iuliu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 2 Josef-Schneider-Straße, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.S.); (I.S.); (M.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 6 Josef-Schneider-Straße, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriella Nesi
- Division of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 6 viale Pieraccini, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Angelo Paci
- Department of Neuro-Endocrine Tumors, Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France; (A.P.); (A.A.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Abir Al Ghuzlan
- Department of Neuro-Endocrine Tumors, Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France; (A.P.); (A.A.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Prédictive, CRCM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, 232 Bd. Ste-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France; (P.F.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Eric Baudin
- Department of Neuro-Endocrine Tumors, Institut Gustave Roussy, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France; (A.P.); (A.A.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Michaela Luconi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 6 viale Pieraccini, 50139 Florence, Italy; (G.C.); (L.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 2 Josef-Schneider-Straße, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (S.S.); (I.S.); (M.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 6 Josef-Schneider-Straße, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bonald C. Figueiredo
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
- Department, Pelé Pequeno Principe Research Institute, 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil
| | - François Bertucci
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Prédictive, CRCM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille Université, 232 Bd. Ste-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France; (P.F.); (D.B.); (F.B.)
| | - Enzo Lalli
- NEOGENEX-CANCER CNRS International Associated Laboratory, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France; 1532 Av. Silva Jardim, Curitiba PR 80250-200, Brazil; (I.Z.S.P.); (M.M.O.F.); (H.K.); (B.C.F.)
- Inserm, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 660 route des Lucioles - Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)4-9395-7755
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31
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Zaghrini C, Seitz-Polski B, Justino J, Dolla G, Payré C, Jourde-Chiche N, Van de Logt AE, Booth C, Rigby E, Lonnbro-Widgren J, Nystrom J, Mariat C, Cui Z, Wetzels JFM, Ghiggeri G, Beck LH, Ronco P, Debiec H, Lambeau G. Novel ELISA for thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A autoantibodies in membranous nephropathy. Kidney Int 2020; 95:666-679. [PMID: 30784662 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Autoantibodies against phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) and thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) are emerging as biomarkers to classify membranous nephropathy (MN) and to predict outcome or response to treatment. Anti-THSD7A autoantibodies are detected by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT). Here, we developed a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) optimized for quantitative detection of anti-THSD7A autoantibodies. Among 1012 biopsy-proven MN patients from 6 cohorts, 28 THSD7A-positive patients were identified by ELISA, indicating a prevalence of 2.8%. By screening additional patients, mostly referred because of PLA2R1-unrelated MN, we identified 21 more cases, establishing a cohort of 49 THSD7A-positive patients. Twenty-eight patients (57%) were male, and male patients were older than female patients (67 versus 49 years). Eight patients had a history of malignancy, but only 3 were diagnosed with malignancy within 2 years of MN diagnosis. We compared the results of ELISA, IIFT, Western blot, and biopsy staining, and found a significant correlation between ELISA and IIFT titers. Anti-THSD7A autoantibodies were predominantly IgG4 in all patients. Eight patients were double positive for THSD7A and PLA2R1. Levels of anti-THSD7A autoantibodies correlated with disease activity and with response to treatment. Patients with high titer at baseline had poor clinical outcome. In a subgroup of patients with serial titers, persistently elevated anti-THSD7A autoantibodies were observed in patients who did not respond to treatment or did not achieve remission. We conclude that the novel anti-THSD7A ELISA can be used to identify patients with THSD7A-associated MN and to monitor autoantibody titers during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Zaghrini
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR7275 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Barbara Seitz-Polski
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR7275 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France; Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France; Service de Néphrologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Joana Justino
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR7275 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Guillaume Dolla
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR7275 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Christine Payré
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR7275 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Noémie Jourde-Chiche
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre Recherche en Cardiovasculaire et Nutrition, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique 1260, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale 1263, Marseille, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Centre de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital de la Conception, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Els Van de Logt
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline Booth
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, Lambeth, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Rigby
- Evelina London Children's Hospital, Lambeth, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennie Lonnbro-Widgren
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jenny Nystrom
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christophe Mariat
- Service de Néphrologie Dialyse, Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital Nord, Lyon, France; CHU de Saint-Etienne, GIMAP, EA 3065, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, Comue Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Zhao Cui
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jack F M Wetzels
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - GianMarco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, G. Gaslini Children Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laurence H Beck
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pierre Ronco
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 6, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche_S1155, Paris, France; Service de Néphrologie et Dialyses, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France
| | - Hanna Debiec
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris 6, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche_S1155, Paris, France
| | - Gérard Lambeau
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR7275 Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, France.
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32
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Cai Q, Hendricks AR. Membranous nephropathy: A ten-year journey of discoveries. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 37:116-120. [PMID: 32061439 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Over the last decade important research discoveries have revealed that most "idiopathic" cases are caused by autoantibodies to podocyte antigens including phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A (THSD7A). In this review, we will discuss the histopathology of primary MN, recent revelations regarding pathogenesis, and ancillary tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cai
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6201 Harry Hines Blvd. CUH 04.233, Dallas, TX 75390-9234, United States.
| | - Allen R Hendricks
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6201 Harry Hines Blvd. CUH 04.233, Dallas, TX 75390-9234, United States
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A novel mouse model of phospholipase A2 receptor 1-associated membranous nephropathy mimics podocyte injury in patients. Kidney Int 2019; 97:913-919. [PMID: 32033781 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) is the major autoantigen in patients suffering from membranous nephropathy. To date, the lack of endogenous glomerular expression of PLA2R1 in mice and rats has impeded the establishment of PLA2R1-dependent animal models of this disease. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse line expressing murine full-length PLA2R1 in podocytes. Furthermore, expression of murine PLA2R1 did not result in any morphological disturbance as high-resolution confocal microscopy demonstrated an intact nephrin distribution with normal foot processes. Transfer of rabbit anti-mPLA2R1 antibodies to these mice induced nephrotic range proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia, and histomorphological signs of membranous nephropathy. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses revealed enhanced staining for murine PLA2R1 in the presence of unaffected staining for murine thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A in the diseased mice, resembling what is classically found in patients with PLA2R1-associated membranous nephropathy Thus, our mouse model of membranous nephropathy will allow investigation of PLA2R1-specific pathomechanisms and may help to develop and assess antigen-specific treatments in vivo.
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34
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Ronco P, Debiec H. Molecular Pathogenesis of Membranous Nephropathy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2019; 15:287-313. [PMID: 31622560 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-020117-043811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy is a noninflammatory autoimmune disease of the kidney glomerulus, characterized by the formation of immune deposits, complement-mediated proteinuria, and risk of renal failure. Considerable advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis have occurred with the identification of several antigens [neutral endopeptidase, phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), thrombospondin domain-containing 7A (THSD7A)] in cases arising from the neonatal period to adulthood and the characterization of antibody-binding domains (that is, epitopes). Immunization against PLA2R occurs in 70% to 80% of adult cases. The development of highly specific and sensitive assays of circulating antibodies has induced a paradigm shift in diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In addition, several interacting loci in HLA-DQ, HLA-DR, and PLA2R1, as well as classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-D alleles have been identified as being risk factors, depending on a patient's ethnicity. Additionally, mechanisms of antibody pathogenicity and pathways of complement activation are now better understood. Further research is mandatory for designing new therapeutic strategies, including the identifying triggering events, the molecular bases of remission and progression, and the T cell epitopes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Ronco
- Rare and Common Kidney Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Personalized Medicine Unit, INSERM UMRS 1155, Sorbonne Université, 75020 Paris, France;
| | - Hanna Debiec
- Rare and Common Kidney Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Personalized Medicine Unit, INSERM UMRS 1155, Sorbonne Université, 75020 Paris, France;
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Wu J, Gao F, Xu T, Li J, Hu Z, Wang C, Long Y, He X, Deng X, Ren D, Zhou B, Dai T. CLDN1 induces autophagy to promote proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous carcinoma through AMPK/STAT1/ULK1 signaling. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:2245-2259. [PMID: 31498437 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tight junction is a structural constitution in cell-cell adhesion and play an important role in the maintenance of permeability and integrity of normal epithelial cell barrier. The protein encoded by Claudin 1 (CLDN1), a member of the claudin family, is an integral membrane protein and a component of tight junction strands. CLDN1 has been proved to regulate the proliferation and metastasis of multiple tumors, but little is known about its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we found that CLDN1 was aberrantly increased in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and mainly distributed in the nucleus of tumor cells. Furthermore, we confirmed that CLDN1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC by triggering autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we validated that CLDN1-induced autophagy via increasing Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) expression through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway in ESCC cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that aberrant expression and distribution of CLDN1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous carcinoma by triggering autophagy through AMPK/STAT1/ULK1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - FengXia Gao
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Experiment Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Long
- Experiment Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - XueMei He
- Experiment Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - DeLian Ren
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Biao Zhou
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - TianYang Dai
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Fresquet M, Rhoden SJ, Jowitt TA, McKenzie EA, Roberts I, Lennon R, Brenchley PE. Autoantigens PLA2R and THSD7A in membranous nephropathy share a common epitope motif in the N-terminal domain. J Autoimmun 2019; 106:102308. [PMID: 31395435 PMCID: PMC7471840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with membranous nephropathy have autoantibodies against PLA2R (up to 80%), or THSD7A (up to 2%). We previously described the immunodominant epitope within PLA2R but epitopes in THSD7A are still unknown. To find anti-THSD7A sera for this study, we screened 1843 sera from biopsy-proven MN patients by ELISA and identified 22 sera as anti-THSD7A positive representing 1.2% of MN cases. Anti-THSD7A positive sera were further characterized by western blotting and slot blotting on THSD7A protein fragments and peptides. Real time interaction analyses and antibodies off-rate could be reliably determined using bio-layer interferometry. A signature motif in the N-terminal domain of THSD7A (T28mer) with sequence homology to the major PLA2R epitope (P28mer) was identified. B-cell epitope prediction analysis and homology modelling revealed this sequence to be antigenic and surface available suggesting it is accessible for the antibody to bind. All ten selected sera bound to the T28mer confirming this sequence as a dominant epitope in THSD7A. Reactivity to this sequence was lost following kallikrein protease cleavage within the predicted epitope. Importantly, cross-reactivity of both PLA2R and THSD7A autoantibodies was observed at the peptide but not the protein level. We propose that this common motif shared by both autoantigens could be an epitope involved in the initial B-cell triggering event in MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fresquet
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - S J Rhoden
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - T A Jowitt
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - E A McKenzie
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, UK
| | | | - R Lennon
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - P E Brenchley
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
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37
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Herwig J, Skuza S, Sachs W, Sachs M, Failla AV, Rune G, Meyer TN, Fester L, Meyer-Schwesinger C. Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain-Containing 7A Localizes to the Slit Diaphragm and Stabilizes Membrane Dynamics of Fully Differentiated Podocytes. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:824-839. [PMID: 30971456 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018090941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 3%-5% of adults with membranous nephropathy have autoantibodies directed against thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A), a podocyte-expressed transmembrane protein. However, the temporal and spatial expression of THSD7A and its biologic function for podocytes are unknown, information that is needed to understand the effects of THSD7A autoantibodies in this disease. METHODS Using a variety of microscopic techniques, we analyzed THSD7A localization in postnatal, adult, and autoantibody-injected mice as well as in human podocytes. We also analyzed THSD7A function in human podocytes using confocal microscopy; Western blotting; and adhesion and migration assays. RESULTS We found that THSD7A expression begins on glomerular vascularization with slit diaphragm formation in development. THSD7A localizes to the basal aspect of foot processes, closely following the meanders of the slit diaphragm in human and mice. Autoantibodies binding to THSD7A localize to the slit diaphragm. In human podocytes, THSD7A expression is accentuated at filopodia and thin arborized protrusions, an expression pattern associated with decreased membrane activity of cytoskeletal regulators. We also found that, phenotypically, THSD7A expression in human podocytes is associated not only with increases in cell size, enhanced adhesion, and reduced detachment from collagen type IV-coated plates but also, with decreased ability to migrate. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that THSD7A functions as a foot process protein involved in the stabilization of the slit diaphragm of mature podocytes and that autoantibodies to THSD7A, on the basis of their localization, might structurally and functionally alter the slit diaphragm's permeability to protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sinah Skuza
- Institutes of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and
| | - Wiebke Sachs
- Institutes of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and
| | - Marlies Sachs
- Institutes of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and
| | - Antonio Virgilio Failla
- University Microscopy Imaging Facility, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; and
| | | | - Tobias N Meyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology, Asklepios Klinikum Barmbek, Hamburg, Germany
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38
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Stoddard SV, Welsh CL, Palopoli MM, Stoddard SD, Aramandla MP, Patel RM, Ma H, Beck LH. Structure and function insights garnered from in silico modeling of the thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A antigen. Proteins 2018; 87:136-145. [PMID: 30520531 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The thrombospondin type-1 domain containing 7A (THSD7A) protein is known to be one of the antigens responsible for the autoimmune disorder idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The structure of this antigen is currently unsolved experimentally. Here we present a homology model of the extracellular portion of the THSD7A antigen. The structure was evaluated for folding patterns, epitope site prediction, and function was predicted. Results show that this protein contains 21 extracellular domains and with the exception of the first two domains, has a regular repeating pattern of TSP-1-like followed by F-spondin-like domains. Our results indicate the presence of a novel Trp-ladder sequence of WxxxxW in the TSP-1-like domains. Of the 21 domains, 18 were shown to have epitope binding sites as predicted by epitopia. Several of the F-spondin-like domains have insertions in the canonical TSP fold, most notably the coiled coil region in domain 4, which may be utilized in protein-protein binding interactions, suggesting that this protein functions as a heparan sulfate binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin L Welsh
- Department of Chemistry, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Serena D Stoddard
- Department of Chemistry, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee.,Department of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - Riya M Patel
- Department of Chemistry, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laurence H Beck
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Section, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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39
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von Haxthausen F, Reinhard L, Pinnschmidt HO, Rink M, Soave A, Hoxha E, Stahl RAK. Antigen-Specific IgG Subclasses in Primary and Malignancy-Associated Membranous Nephropathy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:3035. [PMID: 30619370 PMCID: PMC6306563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease caused by binding of circulating antibodies to podocyte antigens in the kidney. For decades and still today primary MN has been considered to have an unspecified IgG4-driven autoimmune genesis, while secondary MN has been associated with other diseases, most notably cancer, and not linked to IgG4. Immunologic mechanisms of primary and malignancy-associated MN are assumed to be different, however, this has never been systematically evaluated. The identification of Phospholipase A2 Receptor 1 (PLA2R1) and Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain-Containing 7A (THSD7A) as target antigens in MN allows a pathogenesis-driven differential diagnosis. Recent data showing a molecular link between increased THSD7A-expression in tumors and THSD7A-antibody positive MN suggest a similar pathogenesis of malignancy-associated and primary MN. In order to better define the underlying immunologic processes, we systematically analyzed circulating antigen-specific IgG subclasses in the serum of 76 patients with PLA2R1-associated MN and 41 patients with THSD7A-associated MN in relationship to concurrent malignancy and disease outcome. Twenty-three patients in the study had malignancy-associated MN. We analyzed antigen-specific IgG subclasses in the serum of all patients at baseline and in 55 patients during follow-up by Western blot applying antigens derived from human kidney and lung. At baseline all 117 patients were positive for IgG4-antibodies against either PLA2R1 or THSD7A, while IgG3, IgG1, and IgG2-antibodies were found in 87, 72, and 26% of patients, respectively. There were no differences in the IgG subclass distribution between patients with primary vs. cancer-associated MN and no association with disease outcome. Moreover, levels of antigen-specific IgG4-antibodies were not different between primary and malignancy-associated MN and levels of all IgG subclasses did not differ between these groups. Both podocytes and lung bronchioles showed expression of both PLA2R1 and THSD7A when analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Every antigen-specific IgG subclass showed identical binding in both organs and autoantibodies bound the respective antigen only under non-reducing conditions. We conclude that antigen-specific IgG subclasses do not differentiate primary from malignancy-associated MN or predict disease prognosis. These data support the view that one common pathway may lead to primary and cancer-associated MN induced by PLA2R1- or THSD7A-antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska von Haxthausen
- III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Linda Reinhard
- III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans O Pinnschmidt
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie & Epidemiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rink
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Armin Soave
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elion Hoxha
- III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf A K Stahl
- III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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40
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Stahl RA, Reinhard L, Hoxha E. Characterization of autoantibodies in primary membranous nephropathy and their clinical significance. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2018; 15:165-175. [PMID: 30433832 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1548934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of a nephrotic syndrome in Caucasian adults. The identification of target antigens in MN in the last decade has had a major impact on the clinical approach to these patients. Areas covered: Since the discoveries in animal models in the 1980s that circulating autoantibodies induce disease upon in situ binding to glomerular podocytes, many attempts have been undertaken to define the human antigens responsible for disease induction. Only in 2009 was Phospholipase A2 Receptor 1 described as the major antigen responsible for MN onset in about 70% of patients. Subsequently, in 2014, Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain-Containing 7A was identified as a second antigen, accounting for 2-3% of patients with MN. The knowledge of the role of these antibodies in MN has improved the diagnosis and management of patients and helped to better define the need for immunosuppressive treatment. Expert commentary: These discoveries over the last 10 years in the discipline of nephrology have clearly shown the improvements a better understanding of disease pathogenesis can bring for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Ak Stahl
- a III. Department of Medicine , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Linda Reinhard
- a III. Department of Medicine , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Elion Hoxha
- a III. Department of Medicine , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
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41
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Wu X, Liu L, Guo Y, Yang L. Clinical value of a serum anti-PLA2R antibody in the diagnosis and monitoring of primary membranous nephropathy in adults. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2018; 11:241-247. [PMID: 30288080 PMCID: PMC6159797 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s176665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the positive rate of anti-PLA2R antibodies in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), secondary membranous nephropathy (SMN), and non-membrane nephropathy (non-MN); evaluate serum anti-PLA2R antibodies in the diagnosis of PMN; quantify the serum anti-PLA2R antibody levels during the treatment of PMN patients; and evaluate the clinical value of monitoring changes in serum anti-PLA2R antibody quantification levels. METHODS The kidney tissue was collected by kidney biopsy. The expression of PLA2R in glomeruli was detected by immunofluorescence, and ELISA was used to quantify the serum anti-PLA2R antibody. The positive rate of PLA2R expression in renal tissue and positive rate of the anti-PLA2R antibody in the three groups were compared and calculated using a statistical method. The specificity and coincidence rate of anti-PLA2R used in the differential diagnosis of PMN and SMN were evaluated. The clinical value of monitoring changes in serum anti-PLA2R antibody quantification levels was evaluated. RESULT The serum levels of the anti-PLA2R antibody were significantly higher in patients with PMN than in patients with SMN and non-MN group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The serum anti-PLA2R antibody became negative in the complete remission group. The serum anti-PLA2R antibody levels were significantly lower than before treatment in the partial remission group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). However, in the non-remission group, the serum anti-PLA2R antibody levels remained high. CONCLUSION Detection of the serum anti-PLA2R antibody has a high specificity for diagnosing PMN. The change of the serum anti-PLA2R antibody level is closely related to the status of the PMN: if the anti-PLA2R antibody level has decreased, it indicates that the condition has improved; and if the serum anti-PLA2R antibody continues to show high levels of positive or quantitative increase, the condition is not in remission or has relapsed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaling Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, People's Republic of China,
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