Immune-Complex Glomerulonephritis -- Deposits plus Interest

The combination of antigens with antibodies to form immune complexes and their localization within the glomerulus have aided the study of immune mechanisms of tissue damage and provided a cornerstone for the clinical classification and treatment of many glomerular diseases. The concept that the pathogenesis of many common forms of idiopathic glomerulonephritis, such as membranous nephropathy and IgA nephropathy, is related to immune complexes is widely accepted. Since the antigenic component of the immune complex in these diseases remains unknown, they are classified morphologically rather than etiologically. Thus, the subepithelial location of the deposits defines idiopathic membranous nephropathy, whereas the . . .