Staphylococcus aureus cell envelope antigen is a new candidate for the induction of IgA nephropathy.

Background: IgA nephropathy is the most common form of glomerulonephritis worldwide. We previously reported a novel form of glomerulonephritis with glomerular IgA deposits following methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection.

Usage of T cell receptor variable segments of the beta-chain in IgA nephropathy.

Background: We previously reported that glomerulonephritis associated with Staphylococcus aureus infection (SAGN) showed an increased usage of T cell receptor Vbeta 5.3 and 8 in peripheral lymphocytes and mesangial IgA and IgG depositions. To elucidate the immunological mechanisms and pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, we analyzed the usage of TCR Vbeta in both peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and renal infiltrating T cells from IgA-N patients.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions.

Glomerular epithelial cells are primary pathogenic sites in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FGS) lesions. Glomerular epithelial cells are regarded as terminally differentiated cells that do not proliferate. These characteristics are also noted for neurons and muscular cells, which are major sites of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation accumulation.

Predominance of type-2 immune response in idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Cytoplasmic cytokine analysis.

Background: The Th1/Th2 paradigm is proving increasingly useful in the understanding of infectious diseases and many autoimmune diseases. Th1 cells predominantly produce interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and are instrumental in initiating delayed-type hypersensitivity and activating macrophages. Th2 cells secrete other cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 that trigger B-cell activation and immunoglobulin synthesis.