USE OF .ALPHA.1.BETA.1 INTEGRIN RECEPTOR INHIBITORS AND TGF-.BETA.1 INHIBITORS IN THE TREATMENT OF KIDNEY DISEASE

摘要

The present invention provides methods for treating (i.e., delaying the onsetof, slowing the progression of, and/or reversing) kidney disorders (e.g.,renal glomerulonephritis and/or renal fibrosis). Certain of these methodsinvolve administering an .alpha.1.beta.1 integrin receptor inhibitoroptionally in combination with a TGF-.beta.1 inhibitor. The present inventionalso provides a mouse model for kidney disease wherein the mouse does notexpress a normal collagen type 4 composition in the GBM (i.e., it does notincorporate collagen .alpha.3(IV), .alpha.(IV), and .alpha.5(IV) chains intoits glomerular basement membrane) and does not express the .alpha.1.beta.1integrin receptor.