LAUSR

Immune-mediated glomerular diseases (Glomerulonephritides, GN) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders. When considered as one disease category, GNs are a major cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most forms of GN are characterized by a pathogenic immune response against renal autoantigens or by manifestations of systemic autoimmunity in the kidney. All forms result in renal tissue injury, which, depending on the immunopathology in the individual patient, can lead to a range of symptoms from heavy proteinuria to rapid loss of renal function. Even though recent years have seen considerable progress in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of different GN forms, most treatment strategies still consist of corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents, aimed at suppressing the complete immune system. Unfortunately, these nonspecific therapies often bring with them incomplete efficacy and disabling side effects, highlighting the urgent need for more specific and individualized treatment strategies. In this special issue of CTR “Immune-mediated glomerular diseases: Basic Concepts and Clinical Implications,” we highlight new developments in the field of lymphocyte and chemokine biology in renal autoimmunity, summarize recent advances regarding the interaction of immune cells and renal cells in glomerular diseases, and finally present new technologies and treatment options for this patient group.