Der Internist
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Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is the most frequent cause of a nephrotic syndrome in adults. It is an autoimmune disease caused by binding of autoantibodies to endogenous proteins expressed on glomerular podocytes. Antibody binding and activation of inflammatory mediators result in the onset of proteinuria. Recently, two endogenous podocytic target antigens in MGN have been characterized and their clinical role is a main focus of research in nephrology. ⋯ The characterization of the antibodies responsible for the development of MGN is an example of precision medicine in nephrology and the foundation for the development of new, curative treatments.