Cardiotrophin-1 therapy reduces disease severity in a murine model of glomerular disease.

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), a member of the interleukin (IL)-6 cytokine family, has renoprotective effects in mouse models of acute kidney disease and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, but its role in glomerular disease is unknown. To address this, we used the mouse model of nephrotoxic nephritis to test the hypothesis that CT-1 also has a protective role in immune-mediated glomerular disease. Using immunohistochemistry and analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data of isolated glomeruli, we demonstrate that CT-1 is expressed in the glomerulus in male mice, predominantly in parietal epithelial cells and is downregulated in mice with nephrotoxic nephritis. Furthermore, analysis of data from patients revealed that human glomerular disease is also associated with reduced glomerular CT-1 transcript levels. In male mice with nephrotoxic nephritis and established proteinuria, administration of CT-1 resulted in reduced albuminuria, prevented podocyte loss, and sustained plasma creatinine, compared with mice administered saline. CT-1 treatment also reduced fibrosis in the kidney cortex, peri-glomerular macrophage accumulation and the kidney levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator complement component 5a. In conclusion, CT-1 intervention therapy delays the progression of glomerular disease in mice by preserving kidney function and inhibiting renal inflammation and fibrosis.

[Bioinformatic analysis of immune-related transcription factors in diabetic kidney disease].

Objective To identify immune-related transcription factors (TFs) in renal glomeruli and tubules from diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients by bioinformatics analysis. Methods Gene expression datasets from GEO (GSE30528, GSE30529) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the Karolinska Kidney Research Center were used. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to examine differences in immune-related gene expression in the glomeruli and tubules (DKD) patients. To identify immune-related genes (IRGs) and TFs, differential expression analysis was carried out using the Limma and DESeq2 software packages. Key immune-related TFs were pinpointed through co-expression analysis. The interaction network between TFs and IRGs was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Furthermore, the Nephroseq database was employed to investigate the correlation between the identified TFs and clinical-pathological features. Results When compared to normal control tissues, significant differences in the expression of immune genes were observed in both the glomeruli and tubules of individuals with Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Through differential and co-expression analysis, 50 immune genes and 9 immune-related transcription factors (TFs) were identified in the glomeruli. In contrast, 131 immune response genes (IRGs) and 41 immune-related TFs were discovered in the renal tubules. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network highlighted four key immune-related TFs for the glomeruli: Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), lactotransferrin (LTF), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPA), and Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3). For the renal tubules, the key immune-related TFs were FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FOSB), nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1), IRF8, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). These identified TFs demonstrated a significant correlation with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), highlighting their potential importance in the pathology of DKD. Conclusion Bioinformatics analysis identifies potential genes associated with DKD pathogenesis and immune dysregulation. Further validation of the expression and function of these genes may contribute to immune-based therapeutic research for DKD.

Update on C3 Glomerulopathy.

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare disorder marked by deposition of C3 in the glomerulus, resulting in damage to the glomerular filtration unit and presenting with features of the nephritic and nephrotic syndromes. Fundamentally, C3G is caused by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of the complement cascade, either due to genetic variants or acquired humoral factors. Despite significant advances in recent years in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and culprit lesions that result in the development of C3G, treatment options remain severely limited, and the prognosis is often poor. Fortunately, a number of anticomplement therapies are emerging from the drug development pipeline, with several in late-stage testing in patients with C3G, and there is hope that we will soon have more targeted options for managing patients with this devastating disease. In this review, we provide an overview of C3G, as well as summarizing the evidence for current treatments and detailing the clinical trials that are currently underway.

Role of the Innate Immune Response in Glomerular Disease Pathogenesis: Focus on Podocytes.

Accumulating evidence indicates that inflammatory and immunologic processes play a significant role in the development and progression of glomerular diseases. Podocytes, the terminally differentiated epithelial cells, are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier. Once injured, podocytes cannot regenerate, leading to progressive proteinuric glomerular diseases. However, emerging evidence suggests that podocytes not only maintain the glomerular filtration barrier and are important targets of immune responses but also exhibit many features of immune-like cells, where they are involved in the modulation of the activity of innate and adaptive immunity. This dual role of podocytes may lead to the discovery and development of new therapeutic targets for treating glomerular diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the innate immunity mechanisms involved in podocyte injury and the progression of proteinuric glomerular diseases.

Natural Killer Cell Presence in Antibody-Mediated Rejection.

Transcript analyses highlight an important contribution of natural killer (NK) cells to microvascular inflammation (MVI) in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR), but only few immunohistologic studies have quantified their spatial distribution within graft tissue. This study included 86 kidney transplant recipients who underwent allograft biopsies for a positive donor-specific antibody (DSA) result. NK cells were visualized and quantified within glomeruli and peritubular capillaries (PTC), using immunohistochemistry for CD34 alongside CD16/T-bet double-staining. Staining results were analyzed in relation to histomorphology, microarray analysis utilizing the Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System, functional NK cell genetics, and clinical outcomes. The number of NK cells in glomeruli per mm2 glomerular area (NKglom) and PTC per mm2 cortical area (NKPTC) was substantially higher in biopsies with ABMR compared to those without rejection, and correlated with MVI scores (NKglom Spearman's correlation coefficient [SCC] = 0.55, p < 0.001, NKPTC 0.69, p < 0.001). In parallel, NK cell counts correlated with molecular classifiers reflecting ABMR activity (ABMRprob: NKglom 0.59, NKPTC 0.75) and showed a trend towards higher levels in association with high functional FCGR3A and KLRC2 gene variants. Only NKPTC showed a marginally significant association with allograft function and survival. Our immunohistochemical results support the abundance of NK cells in DSA-positive ABMR.

Changes in Numbers of Glomerular Macrophages Between Two Consecutive Biopsies and the Association With Renal Transplant Graft Survival.

BACKGROUND: Macrophages are involved in kidney transplants. The aim of the study was to investigate if changes exist in the levels of glomerular macrophage index (GMI) between two consecutive kidney transplant biopsies, and if so to determine their potential impact on graft survival. METHODS: Two consecutive biopsies were performed on the same renal graft in 623 patients. GMI was categorized into three GMI classes: ≤1.8 Low, 1.9-4.5 Medium, and ≥4.6 High. This division yielded nine possible switches between the first and second biopsies (Low-Low, Low-Medium, etc.). Cox-regressions were used and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) are presented. RESULTS: The worst graft survival was observed in the High-High group, and the best graft survival was observed in the Low-Low and High-Low groups. Compared to the High-High group, a reduction of risk was observed in nearly all other decreasing groups (reductions between 65% and 80% of graft loss). After adjustment for covariates, the risk for graft-loss was lower in the Low-Low (HR = 0.24, CI 0.13-0.46), Low-Medium (HR = 0.25, CI 0.11-0.55), Medium-Low (HR = 0.29, CI 0.11-0.77), and the High-Low GMI (HR = 0.31, CI 0.10-0.98) groups compared to the High-High group as the reference. CONCLUSIONS: GMI may change dynamically, and the latest finding is of most prognostic importance. GMI should be considered in all evaluations of biopsy findings since high or increasing GMI levels are associated with shorter graft survival. Future studies need to consider therapeutic strategies to lower or maintain a low GMI. A high GMI besides a vague histological finding should be considered as a warning sign requiring more frequent clinical follow up.

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Pattern of Injury.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is no longer a disease but a pattern of injury in various diseases. Characterized by electron-dense deposits, mesangial proliferation, and duplication of the glomerular basement membrane, MPGN was previously classified by findings seen by electron microscopy. However, recognizing complement dysfunction in relation to cases with the MPGN pattern of injury substantially changed our view of its pathogenesis. A new classification, including immune complex-mediated and complement-mediated MPGN, has become preferable and has been adopted by international guidelines. Despite these advancements, accurate diagnosis of MPGN remains a clinical challenge, given the pathological and clinical similarities between immune complex-mediated and complement-mediated MPGN. Additional testing, such as molecular and genetic testing, is often necessary. Here, we will summarize our current understanding of the MPGN pattern of injury from a pathology perspective as an introductory article in the following chapters.

A translational model of chronic diabetic nephropathy in the Nile grass rat.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major healthcare challenge for individuals with diabetes and associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The existing rodent models do not fully represent the complex course of the human disease. Hence, developing a translational model of diabetes that reproduces both the early and the advanced characteristics of DN and faithfully recapitulates the overall human pathology is an unmet need. Here, we introduce the Nile grass rat (NGR) as a novel model of DN and characterize key pathologies underlying DN. NGRs spontaneously developed insulin resistance, reactive hyperinsulinemia, and hyperglycemia. Diabetic NGRs evolved DN and the key histopathological aspects of the human advanced DN, including glomerular hypertrophy, infiltration of mononuclear cells, tubular dilatation, and atrophy. Enlargement of the glomerular tufts and the Bowman's capsule areas accompanied the expansion of the Bowman's space. Glomerular sclerosis, renal arteriolar hyalinosis, Kimmelsteil-Wilson nodular lesions, and protein cast formations in the kidneys of diabetic NGR occurred with DN. Diabetic kidneys displayed interstitial and glomerular fibrosis, key characteristics of late human pathology as well as thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and podocyte effacement. Signs of injury included glomerular lipid accumulation, significantly more apoptotic cells, and expression of KIM-1. Diabetic NGRs became hypertensive, a known risk factor for kidney dysfunction, and showed decreased glomerular filtration rate. Diabetic NGRs recapitulate the breadth of human DN pathology and reproduce the consequences of chronic kidney disease, including injury and loss of function of the kidney. Hence, NGR represents a robust model for studying DN-related complications and provides a new foundation for more detailed mechanistic studies of the genesis of nephropathy, and the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Differentiated metabolomic profiling reveals plasma amino acid signatures for primary glomerular disease.

Primary glomerular disease (PGD) is an idiopathic cause of renal glomerular lesions that is characterized by proteinuria or hematuria and is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The identification of circulating biomarkers for the diagnosis of PGD requires a thorough understanding of the metabolic defects involved. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed to characterize the amino acid (AA) profiles of patients with pathologically diagnosed PGD, including minimal change disease (MCD), focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy, and immunoglobulin A nephropathy. The plasma concentrations of asparagine and ornithine were low, and that of aspartic acid was high, in patients with all the pathologic types of PGD, compared to healthy controls. Two distinct diagnostic models were generated using the differential plasma AA profiles using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses, with areas under the curves of 1.000 and accuracies up to 100.0% in patients with MCD and FSGS. In conclusion, the progression of PGD is associated with alterations in AA profiles, The present findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of AAs as a non-invasive, real-time, rapid, and simple biomarker for the diagnosis of various pathologic types of PGD.

Minimal Change Disease: Pathogenetic Insights from Glomerular Proteomics.

The mechanism underlying podocyte dysfunction in minimal change disease (MCD) remains unknown. This study aimed to shed light on the potential pathophysiology of MCD using glomerular proteomic analysis. Shotgun proteomics using label-free quantitative mass spectrometry was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) renal biopsies from two groups of samples: control (CTR) and MCD. Glomeruli were excised from FFPE renal biopsies using laser capture microdissection (LCM), and a single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) digestion method was used to improve yield and protein identifications. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a distinct separation between the CTR and MCD groups. Forty-eight proteins with different abundance between the two groups (p-value ≤ 0.05 and |FC| ≥ 1.5) were identified. These may represent differences in podocyte structure, as well as changes in endothelial or mesangial cells and extracellular matrix, and some were indeed found in several of these structures. However, most differentially expressed proteins were linked to the podocyte cytoskeleton and its dynamics. Some of these proteins are known to be involved in focal adhesion (NID1 and ITGA3) or slit diaphragm signaling (ANXA2, TJP1 and MYO1C), while others are structural components of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton of podocytes (ACTR3 and NES). This study suggests the potential of mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomic analysis with LCM glomeruli to yield valuable insights into the pathogenesis of podocytopathies like MCD. The most significantly dysregulated proteins in MCD could be attributable to cytoskeleton dysfunction or may be a compensatory response to cytoskeleton malfunction caused by various triggers.

Hold the salt for kidney regeneration.

The macula densa (MD) is a distinct cluster of approximately 20 specialized kidney epithelial cells that constitute a key component of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. Unlike other renal tubular epithelial cell populations with functions relating to reclamation or secretion of electrolytes and solutes, the MD acts as a cell sensor, exerting homeostatic actions in response to sodium and chloride changes within the tubular fluid. Electrolyte flux through apical sodium transporters in MD cells triggers release of paracrine mediators, affecting blood pressure and glomerular hemodynamics. In this issue of the JCI, Gyarmati and authors explored a program of MD that resulted in activation of regeneration pathways. Notably, regeneration was triggered by feeding mice a low-salt diet. Furthermore, the MD cells showed neuron-like properties that may contribute to their regulation of glomerular structure and function. These findings suggest that dietary sodium restriction and/or targeting MD signaling might attenuate glomerular injury.

Correlative multiphoton-STED microscopy of podocyte calcium levels and slit diaphragm ultrastructure in the renal glomerulus.

In recent years functional multiphoton (MP) imaging of vital mouse tissues and stimulation emission depletion (STED) imaging of optically cleared tissues allowed new insights into kidney biology. Here, we present a novel workflow where MP imaging of calcium signals can be combined with super-resolved STED imaging for morphological analysis of the slit diaphragm (SD) within the same glomerulus. Mice expressing the calcium indicator GCaMP3 in podocytes served as healthy controls or were challenged with two different doses of nephrotoxic serum (NTS). NTS induced glomerular damage in a dose dependent manner measured by shortening of SD length. In acute kidney slices (AKS) intracellular calcium levels increased upon disease but showed a high variation between glomeruli. We could not find a clear correlation between intracellular calcium levels and SD length in the same glomerulus. Remarkably, analysis of the SD morphology of glomeruli selected during MP calcium imaging revealed a higher percentage of completely disrupted SD architecture than estimated by STED imaging alone. Our novel co-imaging protocol is applicable to a broad range of research questions. It can be used with different tissues and is compatible with diverse reporters and target proteins.

An ultrathin membrane mediates tissue-specific morphogenesis and barrier function in a human kidney chip.

Organ-on-chip (OOC) systems are revolutionizing tissue engineering by providing dynamic models of tissue structure, organ-level function, and disease phenotypes using human cells. However, nonbiological components of OOC devices often limit the recapitulation of in vivo-like tissue-tissue cross-talk and morphogenesis. Here, we engineered a kidney glomerulus-on-a-chip that recapitulates glomerular morphogenesis and barrier function using a biomimetic ultrathin membrane and human-induced pluripotent stem cells. The resulting chip comprised a proximate epithelial-endothelial tissue interface, which reconstituted the selective molecular filtration function of healthy and diseased kidneys. In addition, fenestrated endothelium was successfully induced from human pluripotent stem cells in an OOC device, through in vivo-like paracrine signaling across the ultrathin membrane. Thus, this device provides a dynamic tissue engineering platform for modeling human kidney-specific morphogenesis and function, enabling mechanistic studies of stem cell differentiation, organ physiology, and pathophysiology.

Glomerular Hypertrophy and Splenic Red Pulp Degeneration Concurrent with Oxidative Stress in 3xTg-AD Mice Model for Alzheimer's Disease and Its Exacerbation with Sex and Social Isolation.

The continuously expanding field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) research is now beginning to defocus the brain to take a more systemic approach to the disease, as alterations in the peripheral organs could be related to disease progression. One emerging hypothesis is organ involvement in the process of Aß clearance. In the present work, we aimed to examine the status and involvement of the kidney as a key organ for waste elimination and the spleen, which is in charge of filtering the blood and producing lymphocytes, and their influence on AD. The results showed morphological and structural changes due to acute amyloidosis in the kidney (glomeruli area) and spleen (red pulp area and red/white pulp ratio) together with reduced antioxidant defense activity (GPx) in 16-month-old male and female 3xTg-AD mice when compared to their age- and sex-matched non-transgenic (NTg) counterparts. All these alterations correlated with the anxious-like behavioral phenotype of this mouse model. In addition, forced isolation, a cause of psychological stress, had a negative effect by intensifying genotype differences and causing differences to appear in NTg animals. This study further supports the relevance of a more integrative view of the complex interplay between systems in aging, especially at advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Comprehensive analysis of the endothelin system in the kidneys of mice, rats, and humans.

The intrarenal endothelin (ET) system is an established moderator of kidney physiology and mechanistic contributor to the pathophysiology and progression of chronic kidney disease in humans and rodents. The aim of the present study was to characterize ET system by combining single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data with immunolocalization in human and rodent kidneys of both sexes. Using publicly available scRNA-seq data, we assessed sex and kidney disease status (human), age and sex (rats), and diurnal expression (mice) on the kidney ET system expression. In normal human biopsies of both sexes and in rodent kidney samples, the endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE1) and ET-1 were prominent in the glomeruli and endothelium. These data agreed with the scRNA-seq data from these three species, with ECE1/Ece1 mRNA enriched in the endothelium. However, the EDN1/Edn1 gene (encodes ET-1) was rarely detected, even though it was immunolocalized within the kidneys, and plasma and urinary ET-1 excretion are easily measured. Within each species, there were some sex-specific differences. For example, in kidney biopsies from living donors, men had a greater glomerular endothelial cell endothelin receptor B (Ednrb) compared with women. In mice, females had greater kidney endothelial cell Ednrb than male mice. As commercially available antibodies did not work in all species, and RNA expression did not always correlate with protein levels, multiple approaches should be considered to maintain required rigor and reproducibility of the pre- and clinical studies evaluating the intrarenal ET system.

Glomerulus-Targeted ROS-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Effective Membranous Nephropathy Therapy.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common immune-mediated glomerular disease that requires the development of safe and highly effective therapies. Celastrol (CLT) has shown promise as a therapeutic molecule candidate, but its clinical use is currently limited due to off-target toxicity. Given that excess levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributing to podocyte damage is a key driver of MN progression to end-stage renal disease, we rationally designed ROS-responsive cationic polymeric nanoparticles (PPS-CPNs) with a well-defined particle size and surface charge by employing poly(propylene sulfide)-polyethylene glycol (PPS-PEG) and poly(propylene sulfide)-polyethylenimine (PPS-PEI) to selectively deliver CLT to the damaged glomerulus for MN therapy. Experimental results show that PPS-CPNs successfully crossed the fenestrated endothelium, accumulated in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), and were internalized by podocytes where rapid drug release was triggered by the overproduction of ROS, thereby outperforming nonresponsive CLT nanotherapy to alleviate subepithelial immune deposits, podocyte foot process effacement, and GBM expansion in a rat MN model. Moreover, the ROS-responsive CLT nanotherapy was associated with significantly lower toxicity to major organs than free CLT. These results suggest that encapsulating CLT into PPS-CPNs can improve efficacy and reduce toxicity as a promising treatment option for MN.

Infection as a trigger of acute, transient glomerular deposition of clonal immunoglobulins.

Glomerular deposition of monoclonal IgM, frequently in the form of intracapillary pseudothrombi, can be seen in Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) and type I cryoglobulinemia (CG). They are typically associated with plasma cell or B-lymphoid neoplasms, particularly lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). While infection is a frequent trigger of mixed (type II and III) CG, its association with type I CG is uncommon. We report two cases in which striking lambda-chain-restricted IgM deposits and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in the setting of known or suspected systemic infections, with prompt resolution on treatment of the infection.

[Evaluation of an algorithm based on quantitative assays of glomerular parameters (albuminuria and urinary IgG) for proteinuria typing]. / Évaluation d'un algorithme basé sur des dosages quantitatifs de paramètres glomérulaires (albuminurie et IgG urinaires) afin de typer une protéinurie.

The first orientation test for proteinuria typing is electrophoresis. However, this technique has several drawbacks, such as delayed turnaround time and subjective readings. Some laboratories therefore use quantitative assays of glomerular markers combined with tubular markers. However, the cost of reagents and the instability of certain markers are significant drawbacks for some peripheral laboratories. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation of an algorithm based on parameters that can be used by all laboratories for proteinuria typing within a timeframe compatible with the urgency of the situation. Albuminuria and urinary IgG were determined on 161 urines. ROC curves were produced, using urine electrophoresis read by an expert center as the reference method. The decision thresholds used are: glomerular proteinuria is defined by a Albumin+IgGproteinsratio greater than 75.4% (100% specificity), and tubular or overload proteinuria is defined by by a Albuminproteinsratio less than 37.3% (100% sensitivity). Agreement between the results of the algorithm selected and the reference method used in our study was 88 %, with a kappa value of 0.807 (95% CI [0.729 to 0.885]). The algorithm's performance suggests that it can find its place in the diagnostic strategy for clinically significant proteinuria, despite its limited indications. It is up to each biologist to assess the value of this algorithm in relation to the recruitment, habits and needs of clinicians.

A zebrafish model of diabetic nephropathy shows hyperglycemia, proteinuria and activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), as a complication of diabetes, is a substantial healthcare challenge owing to the high risk of morbidity and mortality involved. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of DN, more efficient models are required to develop new therapeutics. Here, we created a DN model in zebrafish by crossing diabetic Tg(acta1:dnIGF1R-EGFP) and proteinuria-tracing Tg(l-fabp::VDBP-GFP) lines, named zMIR/VDBP. Overfed adult zMIR/VDBP fish developed severe hyperglycemia and proteinuria, which were not observed in wild-type zebrafish. Renal histopathology revealed human DN-like characteristics, such as glomerular basement membrane thickening, foot process effacement and glomerular sclerosis. Glomerular dysfunction was restored upon calorie restriction. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that DN zebrafish kidneys exhibited transcriptional patterns similar to those seen in human DN pathogenesis. Notably, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was activated, a phenomenon observed in the early phase of human DN. In addition, metformin improved hyperglycemia and proteinuria in DN zebrafish by modulating Akt phosphorylation. Our results indicate that zMIR/VDBP fish are suitable for elucidating the mechanisms underlying human DN and could be a powerful tool for therapeutic discovery.

Preventive effects of vasohibin-2-targeting peptide vaccine for diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy remains the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in many countries, and additional therapeutic targets are needed to prevent its development and progression. Some angiogenic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Vasohibin-2 (VASH2) is a novel proangiogenic factor, and our previous study showed that glomerular damage is inhibited in diabetic Vash2 homozygous knockout mice. Therefore, we established a VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine as a tool for anti-VASH2 therapy in diabetic nephropathy. In this study, the preventive effects of the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine against glomerular injury were examined in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model. The mice were subcutaneously injected with the vaccine at two doses 2 wk apart and then intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg STZ for 5 consecutive days. Glomerular injury was evaluated 20 wk after the first vaccination. Treatment with the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine successfully induced circulating anti-VASH2 antibody without inflammation in major organs. Although the vaccination did not affect blood glucose levels, it significantly prevented hyperglycemia-induced increases in urinary albumin excretion and glomerular volume. The vaccination did not affect increased VASH2 expression but significantly inhibited renal angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) expression in the diabetic mice. Furthermore, it significantly prevented glomerular macrophage infiltration. The preventive effects of vaccination on glomerular injury were also confirmed in db/db mice. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine may prevent diabetic glomerular injury in mice by inhibiting Angpt2-mediated microinflammation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrated preventive effects of VASH2-targeting peptide vaccine therapy on albuminuria and glomerular microinflammation in STZ-induced diabetic mouse model by inhibiting renal Angpt2 expression. The vaccination was also effective in db/db mice. The results highlight the importance of VASH2 in the pathogenesis of early-stage diabetic nephropathy and the practicability of anti-VASH2 strategy as a vaccine therapy.