Mechanisms of Light Chain Injury along the Tubular Nephron

The tubular nephron is responsible for reabsorption and catabolism of filtered low molecular weight proteins that include Ig free light chains. In the setting of a plasma cell dyscrasia, significant amounts of free light chains, now monoclonal proteins, present to the tubular nephron for disposal. The result may be clinical renal dysfunction in the form of AKI, progressive CKD, and end-stage kidney disease. Here, I review the mechanisms involved in these processes that result in tubular injury, including proximal tubulopathy and cast nephropathy.