Goodpasture's disease involves antibodies against which structure?

• A. Anti-GBM antibodies
• B. ANCA
• C. Anti-dsDNA
• D. Anti-streptolysin O

Answer: (A)

Goodpasture's disease shows autoimmune attack on basement membranes, specifically targeting the glomerular basement membrane in the kidneys and the basement membrane in the lungs. The antibodies attack the noncollagenous domain of the type IV collagen alpha-3 chain, which is a major component of the glomerular and alveolar basement membranes. This direct binding triggers inflammation and damage, leading to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage.

That’s why antibodies against the glomerular basement membrane are the hallmark. In contrast, ANCA are associated with other small-vessel vasculitides, anti-dsDNA with lupus nephritis, and anti-streptolysin O relates to immune responses after streptococcal infection—not to this specific basement-membrane target.