The biology of immunoglobulin free light chains and kidney injury

Kidney Int. 2011 Jun;79(12):1289-301. doi: 10.1038/ki.2011.94. Epub 2011 Apr 13.

Abstract

Kidney injury caused by immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs) in the setting of plasma cell dyscrasias is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. All compartments of the kidney may be affected, from the glomerulus to the tubulointerstitium, in a wide variety of disease patterns. Here, we review our current knowledge of the biological effects of FLCs and the mechanisms that lead to kidney injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / chemistry
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / metabolism*
  • Kidney / immunology*
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Diseases / immunology*
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy
  • Paraproteinemias / complications
  • Paraproteinemias / immunology*
  • Paraproteinemias / pathology
  • Paraproteinemias / therapy
  • Plasma Cells / immunology*
  • Plasma Cells / pathology
  • Protein Conformation
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains