Diagnostic Tests

CLINICAL ASSOCIATIONS

Mitogen’s Anti-PLA2R is a diagnostic test that detects autoantibodies against phospholipase A2 receptors (PLA2R), which is useful in the diagnosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) also known as primary membranous glomerular nephropathy (MGN, pMGN). A quantitative anti-PLA2R test has been used to follow the clinical course of IMN following effective therapy to decrease anti-PLA2R levels. When this test is negative, testing for antibodies to thrombospondin should be considered in the diagnosis of IMN, MGN, pMGN.

The phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein related to the C-type animal lectin family that includes the mannose receptor. Being both a transmembrane glycoprotein receptor and a soluble receptor, PLA2R regulates a variety of biological responses through binding phospholipase A2. PLA2R’s function includes the induction of cell proliferation, cell migration, and lipid mediator production.

Reference: A. Behnert, M. Schiffer, J. Muller-Deile, L. H. Beck, Jr., M. Mahler, M. J. Fritzler. Antiphospholipase A2 Receptor Autoantibodies: A Comparison of Three Different Immunoassays for the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy. J.Immunol.Res. 2014:143274, 2014.