Can we cure HIV-1-associated nephropathy in transgenic mice?

HIV-1-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a rapidly progressive form of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. HIV transgenic mice can develop a HIVAN-like renal disease. Zhong et al. show that the oral administration of a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor and a retinoic acid receptor-α agonist can prevent the development of HIVAN in transgenic mice, acting through a cAMP-dependent mechanism that is independent of HIV-1 genes. These findings suggest that endogenous host factors play a critical role in HIVAN.