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

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 PLA2 R and podocyte."Study selection Articles studying the role of M-type PLA2 R in idiopathic membranous nephropathy were reviewed. Articles focusing on the discovery, detection and clinical observation of anti-PLA2 R antibodies were selected.Results M-type PLA2 R is a member of the mannose receptor family of proteins, locating on normal human glomeruli as a transmembrane receptor. The anti-PLA2 R in serum samples from MN were primarily IgG4 subclass. Technologies applied to detect anti-PLA2 R autoantibody are mainly WB, IIFT, ELISA and so on. Studies from domestic and overseas have identified a strongly relationship between circulating anti-PLA2 R levels and disease activity.Conclusion Recent discoveries corresponding to PLA2 R 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.