Immune-mediated kidney diseases arise from a complex interplay between immune dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and tissue specific responses. Understanding these disorders requires an integrated approach that bridges clinical nephrology, renal pathology, and pediatric nephrology. Nephrologists provide insight into disease presentation, progression, and treatment response, while pathologists unravel the underlying tissue mechanisms through advanced molecular and histological analyses. Pediatric nephrologists contribute a unique perspective by studying early-life immune disturbances, developmental factors, and genetic drivers that shape lifelong kidney health. Together, this multidisciplinary synergy enables deeper mechanistic understanding, improved diagnostics, and the development of targeted therapies for patients with immune-mediated kidney disease.
Within Kidney Health Amsterdam UMC various immune mediated kidney diseases are studied:
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe kidney manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs. Although treatment outcomes have improved, current therapies are associated with significant side effects and many of the underlying disease mechanisms remain poorly understood.
Our research aims to unravel how immune cells and kidney cells interact to drive inflammation and kidney damage in LN. We combine analyses of kidney tissue using advanced histological and spatial technologies with studies of experimental cell culture models, circulating immune cells, and clinical patient outcomes. Through close collaboration with our nephropathology department, we bridge fundamental, translational, and clinical research to improve our understanding of LN and translate new insights into better patient care.
LN is more prevalent and often more severe in individuals from non-western ethnic backgrounds. Located in Amsterdam, a highly diverse and multicultural city, our center cares for a large and heterogeneous LN patient population, providing a unique opportunity to study the disease across different patient groups and improve outcomes for all.
“Lupus nephritis research contributes to more equitable kidney care worldwide.”
S.D. Crum, MD, PhD candidate Nephrology Amsterdam UMC
Small vessel vasculitis
This type of vasculitis affects the smallest blood vessels, such as capillaries and arterioles, and is often caused by an autoimmune reaction.
Our research focuses, among other things, on AAV (ANCA-associated vasculitis): A group of diseases in which the immune system attacks small blood vessels, causing damage to the vessels and organs. Forms of AAV include: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (eGPA). An example of current research is the influence on microbiome on disease activity in ANCA vasculitis.
“ANCA-associated vasculitis has no curative therapy. By investigating the gut and nasal microbiome as a novel therapeutic target, the GAVAS study takes a fundamentally new approach to this devastating auto-immune disease.”
T.J. van der Putten, MD, PhD candidate Nephrology Amsterdam UMC
IgA nephropathy
In IgA nephropathy many antibodies remain in the kidney, causing damage to the kidney filters. It is the most common cause of immune mediated kidney disease in adults. It has no cure yet. IgA nephropathy can eventually lead to kidney failure affecting approximately 15 to 25% of patients within 10 years of diagnosis. Current clinical research in Amsterdam UMC focusses on new therapies to improve the prognosis.
