Protecting Podocytes in Glomerular Diseases Beyond Glucocorticoids

What is it about?

Glucocorticoids are the main treatment for patients with glomerular diseases. However, not all patients respond favorably to glucocorticoids, and their use is associated with side effects. Therefore, research to identify targets of glucocorticoids that can offer similar benefits with fewer side effects is important. In this editorial, we comment on a recent paper by Sandeep Mallipattu and colleagues, which identified BT503, a small molecule agonist of Krüppel-Like Factor 15 (KLF15), as a downstream target of glucocorticoids and a promising treatment for patients with glomerular diseases. BT503 showed similar effectiveness to glucocorticoids but without the harmful side effects. We discuss the findings of this paper, highlight earlier studies on KLF15 that supported KLF15 as a target for drug discovery, and emphasize the potential of KLF15 agonists as a treatment option for patients with glomerular diseases who do not respond to glucocorticoids.

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