Experimental IgA nephropathy: factors influencing IgA-immune complex deposition in the glomerulus

In this report, we summarize several factors that influence the glomerular localization of IgA-ICs in IgAN. Some of these depend on characteristics of the complexes themselves (e.g., clearance of IC, valency or amount of antigen, the classes of immunoglobulins involved and solubilization of complement), whereas others are related to the circumstances of the affected glomerulus (e.g., proteinuric status). Although the interactions between these factors for a given experimental IgAN were not determined, it is conceivable that the net effect of promoting and/or suppressing of these events may be crucial in the evolution of IgAN. Further studies to gain a better definition of these factors and to elucidate their interactions are warranted.