The pathophysiologic role of the M-type phospholipaseA2 receptor in membranous glomerulonephritis.

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Rolf A.K. Stahl (†); Privatdozent Dr. Gunther Zahner
• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: from 2013 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 237519514

Recently, the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor-1 (PLA2R) was discovered as a potential important glomerular antigen in primary membranous glomerulonephritis (MN) that strongly improves diagnosis and therapy. However, the antigenic effect as well as the pathophysiologic role of PLA2R on podocytes in the course of MN are currently unknown. By using inducible podocyte-specific transgenic PLA2R mice, we plan to establish a murine MN-model either through an active immunization of the mice with PLA2R antigen or through a passive immunization with PLA2R antibodies. Furthermore, an experimental therapy is planned by application of different forms of soluble PLA2R domains in nephritic mice. We hope this study will contribute to a better understanding in the pathophysiology of MN and their underlying therapeutic options.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Institution: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Udo Helmchen; Professorin Dr. Catherine Meyer-Schwesinger