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To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

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Kidney Week

Educational Symposium

Targeting Cytokines in IgA Nephropathy: Understanding and Taking Aim at the "First-Hit"

October 26, 2024 | 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM

Location: Marriott Grand Ballroom 8, Marriott Marquis

Session Description

Our understanding of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) as a multi-hit disease has been recently solidified. Along with this improved understanding of its pathogenesis, there has been an explosion in novel therapeutic agents that are currently being evaluated in IgAN. The rapid evolution of the treatment landscape highlights the need for healthcare providers to have an up-to-date understanding of the pathophysiology of IgAN as well as potential points in the pathogenesis that can be targeted therapeutically.

The "four-hit-hypothesis" of IgAN begins with elevated production of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1). Cytokines, including APRIL and BAFF, are now known to be key regulators of the B cells responsible for producing Gd-IgA1. Reducing circulating Gd-IgA1 levels by targeting the cytokines that regulate this process could reduce disease activity and improve outcomes in IgAN.

Support is provided by an educational grant from Vera Therapeutics.

Learning Objective(s)

  • Describe the "four-hit hypothesis" and the importance of excess formation of Gd-IgA1 in the pathogenesis of IgAN
  • Explain the role of cytokines APRIL and BAFF on B-cell production of Gd-IgA1 in IgAN
  • Discuss emerging therapies targeting APRIL and BAFF in the treatment of IgAN

Learning Pathway(s)

  • Glomerular Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Moderator

Presentations