C3 glomerulopathy diagnosis, current treatments, and emerging therapies

Authors

Mahtab Mashayekhi, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA.
Jonathan E. Zuckerman, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA.
Jonathan Barratt, Mayer IgA Nephropathy Laboratories, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
Richard J. Glassock, Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Laguna Niguel, CA.
Fernando Caravaca-Fontán, Research Institute "Hospital 12 de Octubre," Madrid, Spain.
Raymond K. Hsu, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
Arun Rajasekaran, Renal Medicine Associates, Albuquerque, NM.
Edgar Lerma, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
Sahibzadi Mahrukh Noor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA.
Amir Abdipour, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA.
Sayna Norouzi, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA.

Recommended Citation

Mashayekhi M, Zuckerman JE, Barratt J, et al. C3 Glomerulopathy Diagnosis, Current Treatments, and Emerging Therapies. Kidney Med. 2026;8(3):101258. Published 2026 Jan 10. doi:10.1016/j.xkme.2026.101258

Affiliations

Advocate Christ Medical Center

Abstract

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is characterized by prominent deposition of complement component C3 in the kidney glomeruli, leading to glomerular inflammation. C3G is a rare and complex pattern of injury caused by dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement system and occurs in both children and adults. It can happen because of genetic and acquired factors. Kidney biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing C3G. About 50% of cases progress to kidney failure, and traditional treatment strategies, including immunosuppression and supportive care, have demonstrated variable efficacy. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic criteria of C3G. Additionally, we will discuss current treatment guidelines and ongoing clinical trials.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

41783430