IgA1 and IgA2 immune complexes in primary IgA nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein nephritis

The distribution of IgA subclasses in IgA immune complexes (IgA IC) in sera of patients with primary IgA glomerulonephritis and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis was analysed. High levels of IgA IC containing both IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses were present in correlation with the phases of clinical activity. In these nephropathies the finding of IgA subclass distribution in IgA IC similar to that found in secretions may add further support to the hypothesis that IgA IC are of mucosal origin, albeit a primary derangement of the humoral immune system in these patients cannot be disregarded.