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Barr B, Barbour S. New therapies for immunoglobulin A nephropathy: what's the standard of care in 2023? Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:311-317. [PMID: 38411173 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As the most common primary glomerulonephritis, immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) is an important cause of kidney failure and mortality. Until recently, therapeutic options were limited. Fortunately, there have been numerous recent clinical trials demonstrating efficacy of new therapies in slowing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression at varying stages of disease. RECENT FINDINGS The TESTING trial has provided high-quality evidence for slowing estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline with a reduced-dose glucocorticoid regimen, while demonstrating an improved safety profile. Targeted-release budesonide represents a well tolerated therapy for reducing eGFR decline. Mycophenolate mofetil may reduce CKD progression in some populations, while hydroxychloroquine is efficacious in reducing proteinuria. Sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors and sparsentan are effective therapies for CKD due to IgAN, but should not be used in lieu of disease-modifying immunosuppressive therapy. Many new therapies are approaching readiness for clinical use. SUMMARY Numerous therapeutic options now exist and include disease-modifying and nephroprotective drugs. Identifying the right treatment for the right patient is now the clinical challenge and, with new drugs on the horizon, represents the primary unmet research need in this rapidly-developing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Barr
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
| | - Sean Barbour
- Division of Nephrology, University of British Columbia
- BC Renal, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Obrișcă B, Mocanu V, Jurubiță R, Vrabie A, Berechet A, Lujinschi Ș, Sorohan B, Andronesi A, Achim C, Lupușoru G, Micu G, Caceaune N, Gherghiceanu M, Ismail G. Histological reappraisal of IgA nephropathy: the role of glomerular pattern of injury and mesangial complement deposition. BMC Nephrol 2024; 25:145. [PMID: 38658875 PMCID: PMC11040743 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-024-03577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a clear need to refine the histological assessment in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). We sought to investigate the clinical significance of the light microscopy (LM) pattern of glomerular injury and of the intensity of mesangial C3 staining in IgAN. METHODS We conducted a retrospective, observational study that included all patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN that had at least 12 months of follow-up. The LM pattern of glomerular injury was reevaluated based on a modified HAAS classification. Mesangial C3 deposition by immunofluorescence (IF) staining was scored semi-quantitatively. The study primary composite endpoint was defined as doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD (dialysis, renal transplant or eGFR < 15 ml/min). The secondary study endpoint was eGFR decline per year. RESULTS This cohort included 214 patients with IgAN (mean age, 41.4 ± 12.6 years), with a mean eGFR and median 24-h proteinuria of 55.2 ± 31.5 ml/min/1.73m2 and 1.5 g/day (IQR:0.8-3.25), respectively. The most frequent LM pattern was the mesangioproliferative (37.4%), followed by the sclerotic (22.5%) and proliferative/necrotizing patterns (21.4%). Regarding the IF findings, mild-moderate and intense mesangial C3 staining was present in 30.6% and 61.1% of patients, respectively. Those with sclerosing and crescentic patterns had the worst renal survival (5-year renal survival of 48.8% and 42.9%) and the highest rate of eGFR change/year (-2.32 ml/min/y and - 2.16 ml/min/y, respectively) compared to those with other glomerular patterns of injury. In addition, those with intense C3 staining reached the composite endpoint more frequently compared to those without intense C3 staining (35.5% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.04). After multivariate adjustment, patients with crescentic and sclerosing patterns had a 3.6-fold and 2.1-fold higher risk for the composite endpoint compared to those with mesangioproliferative pattern, while an intense mesangial C3 deposition being also associated with a worse renal outcome (HR, 3.33; 95%CI, 1.21-9.2). CONCLUSIONS We have shown that the LM pattern of glomerular injury and the intensity of mesangial C3 deposition might stratify more accurately the renal outcome in patients with IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Obrișcă
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Valentin Mocanu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Jurubiță
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Vrabie
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Berechet
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefan Lujinschi
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Sorohan
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Andronesi
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Achim
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Lupușoru
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Georgia Micu
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicu Caceaune
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- "Victor Babes" National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gener Ismail
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Nephrology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
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Doggrell SA. Sibeprenlimab, which neutralizes a PRoliferation inducing ligand (APRIL), as a new approach to treating IgA nephropathy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38641998 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2346111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a common immune-mediated kidney disease leading to high blood pressure and may progress to kidney failure. None of the present treatments are disease-modifying or prolong life. The levels of A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL) are raised in subjects with IgA nephropathy. Sibeprenlimab is a humanized IgG2 monoclonal antibody that binds to, and neutralizes, APRIL. AREAS COVERED A phase 2 clinical trial of intravenous sibeprenlimab (VIS649) in IgA nephropathy: NCT04287985. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in 24-h protein-to-creatinine ratio at 12 months, and this was reduced by sibeprenlimab. Sibeprenlimab also caused clinical remission in some subjects, stabilized estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and reduced galactose deficient IgA1, IgA, IgM, and IgG levels without causing any infections or other adverse events. EXPERT OPINION Sibeprenlimab is a promising new approach to treating IgA nephropathy. The pharmaceutical company behind sibeprenlimab is also developing it for subcutaneous use, which would have advantages over intravenous use. As IgA nephropathy is a long-term progressive disease, key questions that need to be answered, over a long-time course, with sibeprenlimab are (i) whether its safety is maintained, and (ii) whether it improves clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A Doggrell
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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Qu S, Zhou XJ, Zhang H. Genetics of IgA nephrology: risks, mechanisms, and therapeutic targets. Pediatr Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s00467-024-06369-7. [PMID: 38600219 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a genetically complex multifactorial trait. Over the past decade, population-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 30 IgAN risk loci, providing novel perspectives on both the epidemiology of the disease and its underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, the association between IgAN and galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) presented another avenue for genetic exploration due to the heritability of the elevated serum Gd-IgA1 levels. These endeavors also yielded and enabled refinement of polygenic risk scores, which may help identify specific groups of individuals at significantly increased risks, leading to stratifications of medical treatments. In this review, we aim to explore the existing evidence for genetic causation in IgAN. We summarize the state of genetic research in IgAN and how it has led to the reformulation of the new pathogenesis model and novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, No. 8, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Jie Zhou
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, No. 8, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
- Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, No. 8, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100034, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Provenzano M, Hu L, Tringali E, Senatore M, Talarico R, Di Dio M, Ruotolo C, La Manna G, Garofalo C, Zaza G. Improving Kidney Disease Care: One Giant Leap for Nephrology. Biomedicines 2024; 12:828. [PMID: 38672183 PMCID: PMC11048002 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nephrology is an ever-evolving field of medicine. The importance of such a discipline is related to the high clinical impact of kidney disease. In fact, abnormalities of kidney function and/or structure are common in the general population, reaching an overall prevalence of about 10%. More importantly, the onset of kidney damage is related to a strikingly high risk of cardiovascular events, mortality, and progression to kidney failure which, in turn, compromises quality and duration of life. Attempts to comprehend the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney disease occurrence have prompted the development and implementation of novel drugs in clinical practice with the aim of treating the 'specific cause' of kidney disease (including chronic kidney disease, glomerular disease, and genetic kidney disorders) and the main immunological complications following kidney transplantation. Herein, we provide an overview of the principal emerging drug classes with proved efficacy in the context of the aforementioned clinical conditions. This can represent a simplified guide for clinical nephrologists to remind them of the vast and heterogeneous armamentarium of drugs that should be used in the present and the future to improve the management of patients suffering from kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Lilio Hu
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.H.); (E.T.); (G.L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Tringali
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.H.); (E.T.); (G.L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Senatore
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Roberta Talarico
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Michele Di Dio
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, SS Annunziata Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy;
| | - Chiara Ruotolo
- Unit of Nephrology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (C.R.); (C.G.)
| | - Gaetano La Manna
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.H.); (E.T.); (G.L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Garofalo
- Unit of Nephrology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (C.R.); (C.G.)
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
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Mathur M, Barratt J, Suzuki Y. Phase 2 Trial of Sibeprenlimab in Patients with IgA Nephropathy. Reply. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:1245-1246. [PMID: 38598588 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2401277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
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Girndt M. [Immunoglobulin A nephropathy-New treatment possibilities]. Inn Med (Heidelb) 2024; 65:407-413. [PMID: 38294502 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01665-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is the most frequent glomerulonephritis in adults in Central Europe. It is characterized by microhematuria and occasionally macrohematuria, proteinuria and a chronic loss of kidney function. The diagnosis is made based on a kidney biopsy. The progressive kidney damage must always be slowed down by normalizing blood pressure, using angiotensin inhibitors and consistently avoiding additional toxic substances. In many cases this is not sufficient and then sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and immunomodulators are used. In particular, the SGLT-2 inhibitors show a very significant reduction in proteinuria and slow down the deterioration of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). While systemic corticosteroids are now only indicated in rare cases, a special budesonide formulation shows good effects. Further pathophysiologically based pharmacotherapies are currently being tested in clinical studies. These include, among others, the dual endothelin type A receptor and angiotensin II receptor antagonist sparsentan, which has already been shown to reduce proteinuria as well as inhibitors of complement activation, which is important for kidney damage. Initial findings for these as well as for the B‑lymphocyte proliferation inhibitor sibeprenlimab, suggest that they could enrich the armamentarium for the treatment of IgA nephropathy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Girndt
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
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Lim RS, Yeo SC, Barratt J, Rizk DV. An Update on Current Therapeutic Options in IgA Nephropathy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:947. [PMID: 38398259 PMCID: PMC10889409 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) remains the leading cause of primary glomerular disease worldwide. Outcomes are poor with high rates of progressive chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, which contributes to global healthcare costs. Although this disease entity has been described, there were no disease-specific treatments until recently, with the current standard of care focusing on optimal supportive measures including lifestyle modifications and optimization of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade. However, with significant advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of IgAN in the past decade, and the acceptance of surrogate outcomes for accelerated drug approval, there have been many new investigational agents tested to target this disease. As these agents become available, we envision a multi-pronged treatment strategy that simultaneously targets the consequences of ongoing nephron loss, stopping any glomerular inflammation, inhibiting pro-fibrotic signals in the glomerulus and tubulo-interstitium, and inhibiting the production of pathogenic IgA molecules. This review is an update on a previous review published in 2021, and we aim to summarize the developments and updates in therapeutic strategies in IgAN and highlight the promising discoveries that are likely to add to our armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Shaoying Lim
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore; (R.S.L.); (S.C.Y.)
| | - See Cheng Yeo
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore; (R.S.L.); (S.C.Y.)
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - Dana V. Rizk
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, ZRB 614, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Cheung CK, Barratt J, Liew A, Zhang H, Tesar V, Lafayette R. The role of BAFF and APRIL in IgA nephropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and targeted therapies. Front Nephrol 2024; 3:1346769. [PMID: 38362118 PMCID: PMC10867227 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2023.1346769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), characterized by mesangial deposition of galactose-deficient-IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), is the most common biopsy-proven primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Recently, an improved understanding of its underlying pathogenesis and the substantial risk of progression to kidney failure has emerged. The "four-hit hypothesis" of IgAN pathogenesis outlines a process that begins with elevated circulating levels of Gd-IgA1 that trigger autoantibody production. This results in the formation and deposition of immune complexes in the mesangium, leading to inflammation and kidney injury. Key mediators of the production of Gd-IgA1 and its corresponding autoantibodies are B-cell activating factor (BAFF), and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), each playing essential roles in the survival and maintenance of B cells and humoral immunity. Elevated serum levels of both BAFF and APRIL are observed in patients with IgAN and correlate with disease severity. This review explores the complex pathogenesis of IgAN, highlighting the pivotal roles of BAFF and APRIL in the interplay between mucosal hyper-responsiveness, B-cell activation, and the consequent overproduction of Gd-IgA1 and its autoantibodies that are key features in this disease. Finally, the potential therapeutic benefits of inhibiting BAFF and APRIL in IgAN, and a summary of recent clinical trial data, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Kay Cheung
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Liew
- The Kidney & Transplant Practice, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division in the Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Vladimir Tesar
- Department of Nephrology, First School of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Richard Lafayette
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Wang M. Targeting APRIL to slow progression of IgA nephropathy. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:6. [PMID: 38012265 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00794-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
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Yeo SC, Barratt J. The contribution of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and other TNF superfamily members in pathogenesis and progression of IgA nephropathy. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:ii9-ii18. [PMID: 38053976 PMCID: PMC10695512 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) have led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and potential disease-specific treatments. Specifically, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IgAN, mediating B-cell dysregulation and overproduction of pathogenic galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1). Animal and clinical studies support the involvement of APRIL in the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN. An elevated level of APRIL is found in IgAN when compared with controls, which correlates with the level of Gd-IgA1 and associates with more severe disease presentation and worse outcomes. Conversely, anti-APRIL therapy reduces pathogenic Gd-IgA1 and IgA immune complex formation and ameliorates the severity of kidney inflammation and injury. Genome-wide association studies in IgAN have identified TNFSF13 and TNFRSF13B, a cytokine ligand-receptor gene pair encoding APRIL and its receptor, respectively, as risk susceptibility loci in IgAN, further supporting the causal role of the APRIL signalling pathway in IgAN. Several novel experimental agents targeting APRIL, including atacicept, telitacicept, zigakibart and sibeprenlimab, are currently under investigation as potential therapies in IgAN. Preliminary results suggest that these agents are well-tolerated, and reduce levels of Gd-IgA1, with corresponding improvement in proteinuria. Further studies are ongoing to confirm the safety and efficacy of anti-APRIL approaches as an effective therapeutic strategy in IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Cheng Yeo
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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