Identification of IgA Autoantibodies Targeting Mesangial Cells Redefines the Pathogenesis of IgA Nephropathy

As in patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN) , IgA+ plasmablasts accumulated in the kidneys of a murine model. IgA antibodies cloned from the plasmablasts carried substantial V-region mutations and bound to βII-spectrin and the surface of mesangial cells.