Nephrology

Primary membranous nephropathy

Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is an autoimmune kidney disease that is characterised by the deposition of immune complexes on the basement membrane of the glomeruli. The best-known associated autoantibodies target the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type 1 domain containing 7A (THSD7A). In recent years, a large number of new potential markers have been identified in pMN patients, including antibodies against the neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL1) glycoprotein. In a study by Sethi et al. from 2020, anti-NELL1 antibodies were detected in the renal glomeruli of 16 % of pMN patients. 

Euroimmun offers two immunofluorescence assays for the detection of anti-NELL1 antibodies for research use. The Anti-NELL1 IIFT uses cells transfected with NELL1 antigen. In addition to NELL1-transfected cells, the Membranous Nephropathy Mosaic 2 also contains BIOCHIPs with PLA2R- and THSD7A-transfected cells.

Minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis 

Minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are the main causes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, which is characterised by significant proteinuria and podocyte damage. Kidney biopsy is still considered the gold standard to diagnose MCD and FSGS. However, due to its invasive nature and the associated risks, performing a kidney biopsy is challenging in clinical practice, particularly in paediatric patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reliable, non-invasive, blood-based biomarkers that can aid in the diagnosis, help to monitor the disease activity and potentially guide treatment decisions in both adults and children. Recent studies have identified the presence of circulating autoantibodies against nephrin – a key protein at the podocyte slit diaphragm – in some patients with MCD and primary FSGS. These biomarkers could potentially help to close the existing diagnostic gap. 

Euroimmun offers the Anti-Nephrin ELISA, a research ELISA designed for the detection of anti-nephrin antibodies.