In search of a better understanding of IgA nephropathy-associated hematuria

Although microscopic or episodic macroscopic hematuria is the key clinical manifestation of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), still very little is known about its pathogenesis. Cox et al. studied IgAN patients during episodes of macroscopic hematuria and identified an upregulated expression of the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in their circulating leukocytes. On the basis of a series of additional experimental approaches, they suggest that CX3CR1 and its ligand fractalkine may contribute to the onset of macroscopic hematuria in IgAN.