A 58-year-old man with nephrotic syndrome has positive serum anti-PLA2R antibodies. Renal biopsy shows granular IgG and C3 along glomerular capillary walls. The target antigen is located on which of the following cells?
- A Endothelial cell
- B Mesangial cell
- C Podocyte ✓
- D Parietal epithelial cell
Correct answer: C. Podocyte
Explanation
PLA2R (phospholipase A2 receptor) is a transmembrane protein expressed on podocyte membranes. In primary membranous nephropathy, autoantibodies bind to PLA2R on podocytes, forming subepithelial immune complexes. This is a key diagnostic marker. Endothelial and mesangial cells do not express PLA2R, making podocyte the correct answer.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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