Toward a bona fide animal model of PLA2R1-associated membranous nephropathy: one step forward

The major form of membranous nephropathy is characterized by autoantibodies to phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1). The study by Tomas et al. describes the first animal model where human PLA2R1 is ectopically expressed in mouse podocytes. Intriguingly, the transgenic mice spontaneously develop anti-human PLA2R1 antibodies and membranous nephropathy-like features, including immune deposits and nephrotic syndrome. The model raises questions about the spontaneous production of anti-human PLA2R1 antibodies and the additional steps to establish a bona fide animal model of membranous nephropathy.