Treatments that deplete or modulate B cells are in use or being investigated for several immune-mediated glomerular diseases. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) convened a Controversies Conference in Panama City, Panama in June 2025 to review current evidence and identify key gaps in knowledge and research needs to effectively apply such therapies.
Availability, effectiveness, and safety of B cell–targeted therapies vary substantially across glomerular diseases. In IgA nephropathy, anti-CD20 therapy (rituximab) has shown limited efficacy, although inhibitors of BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (A proliferation inducing ligand) and anti-CD38 antibodies can lead to reductions in proteinuria and reduction of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Kidney International published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 26 Mar 2026. The item focuses on Targeting B cells in immune-mediated kidney diseases: Conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference. Open the detail page to review the full original feed content.