Animal models of IgA nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a form of immune complex glomerulonephritis that occurs spontaneously in humans. This unit describes the induction of active disease in inbred mice, utilizing inert proteins or a common viral pathogen as the inciting antigen. An alternate protocol is offered for the induction of disease in rats by noninfectious protein antigens. Support protocols are presented for the evaluation of the extent of disease, for preparation of infectious and inactivated suspensions of viral stock, and for quantification of the virus.