They are not perticularly large, but kidneys assume numerous and above all vital functions of our body. This can be affected by diseases such as C3 glomerulopathy. A publication in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN) clarifies now on it.

In the course of evolution, our body has developed various mechanisms to protect us from external influences. This includes the associated immune response to human complement system, which combats bacterial invaders quickly and directly. The disease C3 glomerulopathy ensures overactivation of the complement system. So this not only combats intruders, but also the body itself. The disease mainly affects children and young people and damages within a few years the kidneys of patients so strong that the person concerned must regularly undergo dialysis.

The infection biologist Qian Chen from the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (HKI) has deciphered different factors - for example genetic mutations - that lead to the malfunction of the body. From doctors from Erlangen she received details and biological samples from patients suffering from C3 glomerulopathy. "Only by using this data, blood samples and thanks to the support of patients, we were able to find out more about this disease in the lab. And so finally could have a direct influence on the treatment in the hospital."