Immunologic mechanism of childhood renal diseases

Antigen-antibody complexes and antibasement antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of most immune-mediated renal diseases. The major feature of these two kidney tissue-damaging mechanisms, and their interrelations with amplification systems (complement, coagulation, and kinin) are outlined. A brief discussion of current immunologic concepts applicable to representative experimental models and pediatric nephropathies, and of their immunohistopathologic and ultrastructural expressions is presented.