Analysis of the consequences of autoimmunity to anti-lysosomal Membran Protein-2 (hLAMP-2) in focal necrotizing Glomerlulonephritis (FNGN): towards novel therapeutic and monitoring strategies

The aim of our research is to develop more effective treatments for severe kidney disease based on better understanding of their causes. The present proposal concerns an aggressive disease called focal necrotizing glomerulonephritis (FNGN) and is designed to elucidate the role of anti-hLAMP-2 (human lysosomal membrane glycoprotein 2) mediated autoimmunity in FNGN and to test and monitor pathogenetic pathways as foundations for novel treatments. The purpose of the proposal is to perform (i) a study to determine the association of antibodies to hLAMP-2 and infectious diseases in patients; (ii) experiments designed to elucidate the role of antibody mediated damage to blood cells grown in the test tube and if we can prevent this process; and (iii) to discover whether the antibodies affect the immune system so that more antibodies are formed.