Our research team is dedicated to elucidating the mechanisms underlying immune‑mediated kidney diseases, with a particular emphasis on how autoimmune responses lead to renal injury. Our current research focuses on membranous nephropathy (MN), especially the pathogenic processes driven by anti‑phospholipase A2 receptor (anti‑PLA2R) autoantibodies.
Membranous nephropathy is a common autoimmune kidney disease characterized by autoantibody‑mediated injury to glomerular podocytes, resulting in heavy proteinuria and progressive deterioration of renal function. Among the identified autoantibodies, anti‑PLA2R is the most prevalent and representative pathogenic factor worldwide.
Our laboratory has established a long‑term cohort of MN patients in Taiwan and integrates clinical sample analysis, single‑cell technologies, and antibody engineering to investigate the structural features of anti‑PLA2R antibodies, their IgG subclass distribution, and their roles in complement activation and kidney damage. Through these studies, we aim to delineate the causal relationship between autoantibodies and disease progression and to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms of MN pathogenesis. Ultimately, our goal is to translate these findings into novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies, enabling more precise and effective clinical care for patients.