Experimental models for IgA-associated nephritis

IgA-associated nephritis is characterized by the presence of exclusively or predominantly glomerular IgA deposits, and includes: primary IgA nephropathy [1–4], Schöhlein–Henoch purpura [5,6], and hepatic glomerulonephritis [7]. It is not clear how the IgA mesangial deposits evolve and initiate immunopathogenetic events that lead to morphological and functional renal injury. Animal models provide investigative analogues to these disorders. The following report summarizes studies on the evolution and effect of IgA mesangial deposits in different experimental models. The experimental pathophysiology of IgA immune reactants are correlated to clinical findings of IgA-associated nephritis in humans