Mesangial autoantigens in IgA nephropathy: matrix synthesis and localization

Primary IgA nephropathy, a chronic nephritis with variable prognosis, is characterized by mesangial immunoglobulin A, frequently with codeposition of other immunoglobulin isotypes and complement components accompanying matrix expansion typically preceding glomerular scarring. Glomerular immunoglobulin G, when present, is localized to the mesangial periphery found variably in repeat biopsies. IgG anti-mesangial cell autoantibodies (IgG-MESCA) in sera of patients with IgA nephropathy, specific by F(ab')(2) binding to 48- and 55-kD autoantigen(s) could account for these deposits, but their in vivo localization, and the functional role in promoting scarring is unknown. A specific monoclonal antibody raised previously to these human mesangial cell autoantigen fractions, in this study localized to similar glomerular sites, reinforcing the view that immunoglobulin G deposition in vivo is a result of antibody-autoantigen binding. The propensity for immunoglobulin G more than other isotypes to enhance inflammation prompted study of its functional role in vitro. Using cultured human mesangial cells in a complement-free tritiated glycosaminoglycan synthesis single outcome assay, purified IgG fractions from patient sera increased matrix production in a dose-dependent manner compared with controls. At a constant total IgG concentration, matrix synthesis was proportional to the titre of IgG-MESCA. Autoreactive IgG stimulated matrix synthesis when compared with controls or IgA fractions. These findings are consistent with IgG-MESCA autoantibodies enhancing mesangial matrix synthesis in vitro, which suggests that in IgA nephropathy, similar prosclerotic autoimmune mechanisms might operate. Recombinant TGF beta(1) also induced matrix synthesis, raising the possibility that both autoimmune mechanisms and those TGF beta(1)-dependent are functional or inter-related. The pathogenesis of glomerular scarring and loss in IgA nephropathy may include, in part, these mechanisms.