Immune recognition of glomerular antigens

Autoimmunity is thought to cause most varieties of glomerulonephritis inclu ding membranous nephropathy, minimal-change nephropathy, Goodpasture's dise ase and possibly IgA nephropathy. Much effort has been and is directed at u nderstanding the mechanisms of immune system driven inflammation and of the consequent renal injury and repair or scarring. The purpose of this articl e is to focus attention on the way the immune system recognizes kidney auto antigens, a process that must be a pivotal in the initiation of autoimmune kidney disease. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.