RESUMO
After the research of PLA2R1 and its antibodies, Thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A and its antibodies to membranous nephropathy (MN) has made a new understanding.Some researches have reported that the antibodies of PLA2R1 and THSD7A were mutually exclusive in MN, because THSD7A was found in PLA2R1-negative MN patients.But the latest researcher showed that these antibodies can be both positive in MN patients.Similar to the function of PLA2R1, THSD7A can assist clinical diagnosis, treatment, and monitor of MN.In contrast to PLA2R1, THSD7A was also highly expressed on both human and murine podocytes.We can use the mice model to study the pathogenesis of THSD7A-associated MN in the future.In this review, we describe the structure and function of Thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A and its autoantibodies, highlight its role in MN and suggest possible aspects of its future clinical application.