Membranous Nephropathy: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications (B01)

• Subject Area: Nephrology
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 264599542

Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune kidney disease caused by circulating autoantibodies binding to antigens on kidney glomerular epithelial cells. To date, the only therapeutic options are unspecific and toxic immunosuppressants which, however, are unsuccessful in 20-40% of patients. PLA2R1 and THSD7A have been identified as the pathogenic target antigens in 70-80% and 2-3% of patients with MN, respectively. Further potential target antigens in MN include NELL1, SEMA3B, PCDH7, HTRA1 and NTNG1. The identification of target antigens and the characterization of their clinical relevance in patients with MN by our group and others represent an important step for the understanding of the antigen-based pathogenesis of MN, which is vital for the improvement of patient care.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1192: Immune-Mediated Glomerular Diseases - Basic Concepts and Clinical Implications -
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Heads: Privatdozent Dr. Elion Hoxha; Dr. Linda Reinhard