The role of complement in glomerulonephritis-are novel therapies ready for prime time?

Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2023 Jul 31;38(8):1789-1797. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfac296.

Abstract

The complement system plays a key pathogenic role in glomerular diseases with a diverse range of aetiologies, including C3 glomerulopathy, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, ANCA-associated vasculitis and lupus nephritis. Several novel therapies targeting complement activity have recently been developed, which have now been approved or are in the late stages of clinical development. In this review, potential benefits and challenges of targeting the complement system in glomerular disease are discussed. We summarize current understanding of the role of complement, and the novel targeted therapies that are being developed for the treatment of glomerular disease.

Keywords: IgA nephropathy; complement; glomerulonephritis; lupus nephritis; vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Complement System Proteins
  • Glomerulonephritis* / pathology
  • Glomerulonephritis* / therapy
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA* / pathology
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* / drug therapy
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Nephritis* / pathology
  • Lupus Nephritis* / therapy

Substances

  • Complement System Proteins