FRRB Project 1737173 - PLA2R-autoreactivE B-cell subsets in membranous nePhropaThy: Identification of outcome predictors and novel insights into Disease pathogenesis
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Name and Surname of PI |
Federica Casiraghi |
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Project Acronym |
PEPTIDE |
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Project ID |
1737173 |
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Host Institution |
Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS - Milan |
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Pathology of Interest |
Membranous Nephropathy |
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Research Area |
Nephrology |
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Project Start Date |
1 March 2021 |
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Project End Date |
29 February 2024 |
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Funding |
€ 579.040,00 |
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Type of Project |
Individual |
PROJECT SUMMARY
Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a renal disease caused by auto-antibodies directed against the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), a protein expressed on the surface of kidney podocytes. Treatment with a drug that depletes B cells – the cells that are ultimately responsible for antibody production – induces remission of the disease in MN patients. However, 40% of them do not respond to this therapy, and 30% of patients relapse after initially achieving remission. The reasons for this non-homogeneous efficacy are largely unknown. The aim of this project is to evaluate the frequency, characteristics and survival of the specific B cell subset that secretes anti-PLA2R autoantibodies in MN patients. Results of this project will provide insight into disease pathogenesis, allow to differentiate a priori patients who may benefit from anti B-cell or alternative treatment strategies, and lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of MN.