DIAGNOSTIC TEST 244

NELL1 Antibodies (IgG)

Diagnostic test for NELL1 antibodies. Suspicion of membranous nephropathy (MN).

Indication

Suspicion of membranous nephropathy (MN)

Sample material

Serum

  • Minim. volume: 0,5 mL

Transport

  • Within Sweden: room temperature
  • International: cold

Method

Cell-based assay (CBA), indirect immunofluorescence (IIF)

Reference interval

<1:10 negative

Result

Results are reported as negative or positive. A positive result is followed by a titer.

Interpretation

Antibodies against NELL1 (Neural Epidermal Growth Factor-Like 1) are detected in approximately 5–10% of cases of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN).

These antibodies form immune deposits in the glomeruli, leading to proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. NELL1-associated membranous nephropathy (NELL1-MN) may occur as a primary nephropathy but can also be associated with other autoimmune diseases, infections, or drug-induced conditions.

Importantly, malignancy has been reported in 15–33% of NELL1-seropositive patients, making cancer screening an important consideration in the clinical evaluation of these patients.

References

  • Salvadori M, Tsalouchos A. World J Nephrol. 2022. New antigens involved in membranous nephropathy beyond phospholipase A2 receptor. PMID: 36161266
  • Sethi S. Clin Kidney J. 2022. The Many Faces of NELL1 MN. PMID: 36865014
  • Caza TN et al. Kidney Int. 2023. Discovery of seven novel putative antigens in membranous nephropathy and membranous lupus nephritis identified by mass spectrometry. PMID: 36638888
  • Andeen NK. Front. Nephrol. 2024. NELL1 membranous nephropathy: clinical associations provide mechanistic clues. PMID: 38596642

Included in these panels

Need pricing information?

Get a quote

How to order

This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

  1. Print and complete the request form

    Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician. If you are a new customer, please also include a completed customer information form.

  2. Prepare your samples

    Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).

  3. Send samples and request form

    Within Sweden
    Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
    Envelopes and smaller boxes:
    Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

    Larger boxes and frozen samples:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    International
    Send samples cold to:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

Last updated: 2026-09-30