Progress on the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor in idiopathic membranous nephropathy

Abstract

Objective: To highlight current knowledge about M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) which is the first human autoantigen discovered in adult idiopathic membranous nephropathy.

Data sources: Relevant articles published in English from 2000 to present were selected from PubMed. Searches were made using the terms "idiopathic membranous nephropathy, M-type PLA2R and podocyte."

Study selection: Articles studying the role of M-type PLA2R in idiopathic membranous nephropathy were reviewed. Articles focusing on the discovery, detection and clinical observation of anti-PLA2R antibodies were selected.

Results: M-type PLA2R is a member of the mannose receptor family of proteins, locating on normal human glomeruli as a transmembrane receptor. The anti-PLA2R in serum samples from MN were primarily IgG4 subclass. Technologies applied to detect anti-PLA2R autoantibody are mainly WB, IIFT, ELISA and so on. Studies from domestic and overseas have identified a strongly relationship between circulating anti-PLA2R levels and disease activity.

Conclusion: Recent discoveries corresponding to PLA2R facilitate a better understanding on IMN pathogenesis and may provide a new tool to its diagnosis, differential diagnosis, risk evaluation, response monitoring and patient-specific treatment.