B-Cell Dysregulation in Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: What We Know and What We Need to Discover

The therapeutic efficacy of B-cell depletion by anti-CD20 treatment in pediatric and, more recently, in adult idiopathic nephrotic syndrome patients suggests a key role of B cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, their exact role is still unclear. B cells are able to secrete a large variety of antibodies that can protect against infections. However, B-cell dysregulation is well-established in a variety of autoimmune diseases. In parallel with their ability to produce antibodies, pathogenic B cells display altered effector functions by expressing activating surface molecules, which can strongly modify the immune homeostasis, or by producing specific cytokines, which can directly affect either podocyte structure and functions or modulate T-cell homeostasis. Herein, we report the most relevant clinical and experimental evidences of a pathogenic role of B cells in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. We further highlight similarities and differences between children and adults affected by non-genetic forms of the disease and discuss what needs to be investigated in order to define the exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenic role of B cells and to identify more tailored therapeutic approaches.