29^th European Nephrology Conference

Immunotherapy for Glomerular Diseases: Targeting the Immune System

Immunotherapy represents a promising frontier in the management of glomerular diseases, offering a targeted approach to modulate the immune system's response and alleviate renal inflammation and damage. Glomerular diseases, encompassing a spectrum of conditions like glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis, often involve dysregulated immune responses leading to kidney injury. Immunotherapeutic strategies aim to restore immune balance by targeting specific components of the immune system. This may involve monoclonal antibodies that block inflammatory cytokines or immune cells responsible for renal damage, thereby reducing inflammation and preserving kidney function. Additionally, therapies such as rituximab, which selectively deplete B cells, have shown efficacy in certain glomerular diseases characterized by abnormal antibody production. While immunotherapy holds promise in improving outcomes for patients with glomerular diseases, challenges such as identifying optimal treatment regimens and managing potential side effects remain. Nevertheless, ongoing research and clinical trials in immunomodulation offer hope for more effective and personalized approaches to tackling these complex renal conditions, ultimately aiming to improve patient prognosis and quality of life.