TITLE:
B-Cell- and Plasma-Cell-Targeted Therapies in Pediatric IgA Nephropathy: Research Advances in Efficacy and Safety
AUTHORS:
Ciyi Chen, Qiang Fu
KEYWORDS:
Children, IgA Nephropathy, B Cells, Targeted Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
12,
2026
ABSTRACT: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease in children, characterized by the deposition of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and its immune complexes in the glomeruli, which trigger mesangial proliferation and complement activation. Traditional therapeutic strategies have centered on glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. Their clinical utility in pediatric IgAN remains constrained by treatment resistance, relapse, and growth impairment, highlighting the urgent need for novel targeted agents. In recent years, B cells and B cell-mediated immune dysregulation have been increasingly recognized as a key pathogenic driver of IgAN, providing a rationale for B cell-targeted therapies. In addition, antibody-secreting plasma cells—the main source of Gd-IgA1—represent another potential therapeutic target, supporting the emergence of plasma-cell-targeted strategies such as anti-CD38 agents. This review narratively summarizes the mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, and safety data of B-cell- and plasma-cell-targeted therapies in pediatric IgA nephropathy, aiming to provide a reference for clinical decision-making in this population.