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The Immunomodulating Role of B-cells in IgA Nephropathy – Focus on APRIL
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About This Event
The Immunomodulating Role of B-cells in IgA Nephropathy – Focus on APRIL
Background: IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of glomerulonephritis and a leading cause of End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)1. Despite its prevalence, a major challenge in managing IgAN lies in the striking heterogeneity of disease progression, with patients facing a 10-year risk of ESKD ranging from 5% to 60%1. Recent advances in immunology have illuminated the central role of B cells in IgAN pathogenesis, particularly their contribution to the production of aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 (Gd-IgA1)2. This webinar will explore how B-cell biology, including the role of APRIL (A Proliferation-Inducing Ligand), informs our understanding of IgAN and opens new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Did You Know?
- APRIL is a key regulator of B-cell survival and IgA production, and elevated serum levels of APRIL have been linked to worse renal outcomes in IgAN patients3.
Why Attend This Webinar?
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the immunomodulating role of B cells in IgAN, from basic biology to clinical implications. Attendees will gain insights into the multi-hit process of IgAN pathogenesis, the role of B cells in generating pathogenic Gd-IgA1, and the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting immune pathways like APRIL.What You Will Learn
- The fundamentals of B-cell biology and its connection to immune regulation, IgA production, and IgAN pathogenesis.
- The four-hit process in IgAN, including the role of B cells in producing Gd-IgA1.
- The physiologic role of APRIL in B-cell maturation, IgA production, and its significance in IgAN progression.
- Emerging clinical evidence supporting the targeting of APRIL and other immune pathways in IgAN treatment.
References:
- Barbour SJ, et al. Evaluating a New International Risk-Prediction Tool in IgA Nephropathy. JAMA Intern Med. 2019 Jul 1;179(7):942-952. Accessed 2/3/25
- Popova A, et al. IgA class-switched CD27-CD21+ B cells in IgA nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2024 Jul 17:gfae173 . Epub ahead of print. Accessed 2/3/25
- Zhai YL, et al. Increased APRIL Expression Induces IgA Abnormal Glycosylation in IgA Nephropathy. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(1):e3099. Accessed 2/3/25
Speakers
Maria-Gabriela Velez, MD, PhD
Nephrologist, Kidney Associates of ColoradoMaria-Gabriela Velez, M.D., Ph.D, is a trained physician scientist with a special interest in diabetic kidney disease and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases of the kidney. Dr. Velez completedmedical training and obtained her doctorate in immunology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Her doctoral thesis was focused on B cell biology; more specifically B cell development, negative selection and differentiation, under the mentorship of Dr. Roberta Pelanda.
She then completed her training in internal medicine and her fellowship in nephrology at Stanford University.
Dr. Velez returned to Colorado to join Kidney Associates of Colorado in 2015. She uses her extensive medical experience and Spanish-speaking skills to provide comprehensive treatment options and dialysis education to the Hispanic community. Dr. Velez has volunteered and worked in community health clinics, having been recognized for helping increase access to health care.
Moderators
Sachin Hajarnis, PhD
Nephrology Medical Science DirectorOtsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.*
Sachin Hajarnis, PhD is a Senior Medical Science Liaison at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. Dr Hajarnis has a Bachelors and Masters in Life Sciences from University of Mumbai, India. He obtained a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Colorado State University. Dr Hajarnis joined the University of Texas Southwestern Medical school in Dallas, as a post-doctoral fellow in the department of Nephrology where he performed basic research on various aspects of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). He continued his studies on the role of micro-RNAs in PKD as a Research Scientist for several years before joining his current position at Otsuka.
Josh Gariboldi, PharmD, BCPS
Nephrology Senior Medical Science LiaisonOtsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.*
Josh Gariboldi, PharmD, BCPS joined Otsuka in January 2021 and is a Senior Medical Science Liaison on our Nephrology East Team, covering the Carolinas and Tennessee. Dr Gariboldi earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida in 2012. He has more than eight years of experience as a clinical pharmacist in both the community and hospital settings, most recently at Bon Secours Mercy Health St. Francis Hospital in Greenville, SC. Dr Gariboldi served as a preceptor with Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, where he instructed students on Advanced Pharmacy Practice rotations. He holds board certifications in both pharmacotherapy and medical affairs.
Dr. Maria-Gabriela Velez is a paid consultant of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.
Dr. Josh Gariboldi and Dr. Sachin Hajarnis are employees of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information provided through NephU is intended for the educational benefit of health care professionals and others who support care for those with kidney disease and other related conditions. It is not intended as, nor is it a substitute for, medical care, advice, or professional diagnosis. Health care professionals should use their independent judgement when reviewing NephU’s educational resources. Users seeking medical advice should consult with a health care professional.
February 2025 US.CORP.X.25.00019Registration
NephU is supported by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (OPDC) and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OAPI) - committed supporters of the kidney health community. The information provided through NephU is intended for the educational benefit of health care professionals and others who support care for those with kidney disease and other related conditions. It is not intended as, nor is it a substitute for, medical care, advice, or professional diagnosis. Health care professionals should use their independent medical judgement when reviewing NephU’s educational resources. Users seeking medical advice should consult with a health care professional. No CME or CEU credits are available through any of the resources provided by NephU. Some of the contributors may be paid consultants of OPDC and/or OAPI.©2025 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. All rights reserved. - IgAN
