IgA Nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN), also called mesangial IgA glomerulonephritis, occurs most frequently in three clinical conditions: as an idiopathic nephritis in Berger’s disease, and as a secondary disease in Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and liver cirrhosis. In this paper, clinical and biological facts related to these conditions are reviewed. Known animal models reproducing immunohistological lesions of IgAN are described. The numerous aspects of this syndrome still unclear are then evoked and discussed: clinical and biological puzzles as well as equivocal epidemiological or genetic features. Finally, the small arsenal of therapeutic weapons which can be used as a cure or as prevention is depicted.