M-type phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1)

M-type phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) is a 180-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein expressed primarily on the surface of podocytes in the renal glomerulus [2, 6]. It belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily and functions as a high-affinity receptor for various secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2), mediating their internalization and clearance to protect cells from excessive sPLA2 enzymatic activity [2, 13]. In clinical medicine, PLA2R1 is the primary autoantigen in approximately 70-80% of adult cases of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) [1, 10]. The disease is characterized by the binding of circulating IgG4 autoantibodies to the extracellular domains of PLA2R1, which leads to the formation of subepithelial immune deposits, complement activation, and subsequent podocyte injury [1, 4, 5]. While not a traditional pharmacological target for small molecule inhibition, PLA2R1-related disease is managed by targeting the B-cell populations that produce these pathogenic autoantibodies, making the receptor an essential focus for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic monitoring in nephrology [4, 9, 10].

Other names

Secretory phospholipase A2 receptorPLA2RM-type receptorCLEC13C180 kDa secretory phospholipase A2 receptorPhospholipase A2 receptor 1

Reduction of pathogenic autoantibody production via B-cell depletion (e.g., anti-CD20 therapy) or broad immunosuppression to prevent the formation of in situ immune complexes on the podocyte surface [1, 10].