Rituximab-Induced Depletion of Anti-PLA2R Autoantibodies Predicts Response in Membranous Nephropathy
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Open Access
- 1 August 2011
- journal article
- Published by Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
- Vol. 22 (8), 1543-1550
- https://doi.org/10.1681/asn.2010111125
Abstract
Autoantibodies to the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) are sensitive and specific for idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The anti-B cell agent rituximab is a promising therapy for this disease, but biomarkers of early response to treatment currently do not exist. Here, we investigated whether levels of anti-PLA2R correlate with the immunological activity of membranous nephropathy, potentially exhibiting a more rapid response to treatment than clinical parameters such as proteinuria. We measured the amount of anti-PLA2R using Western blot immunoassay in serial serum samples from a total of 35 patients treated with rituximab for membranous nephropathy in two distinct cohorts. Pretreatment samples from 25 of 35 (71%) patients contained anti-PLA2R, and these autoantibodies declined or disappeared in 17 (68%) of these patients within 12 months after rituximab. Those who demonstrated this immunologic response fared better clinically: 59% and 88% attained complete or partial remission by 12 and 24 months, respectively, compared with 0% and 33% among those with persistent anti-PLA2R levels. Changes in antibody levels preceded changes in proteinuria. One subject who relapsed during follow-up had a concomitant return of anti-PLA2R. In summary, measuring anti-PLA2R levels by immunoassay may be a method to follow and predict response to treatment with rituximab in membranous nephropathy.Keywords
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