GBM

The glomerular basement membrane (GBM) is a specialized structure with a significant role in maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier. Anti–GBM antibody disease (also known as Goodpasture’s Syndrome) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which autoantibodies target and cause damage to the GMB of the kidney. The primary target of these autoantibodies is collagen type IV which is present in the lung and the glomerulus of the nephron. Rapid diagnostic testing using native or recombinant GBM to detect the presence of GBM autoantibodies is critical in the management of this rare, life-threatening disease.