Advances in basic immunology have markedly enhanced our understanding of immune-mediated renal disease, particularly in view of the growing recognition of the importance of T-cells in mediating renal injury. Recent milestones in investigative technology, including cell-culture techniques supporting T-cell clones and renal-derived cell populations, and genetic inbreeding of both recombinant and transgenic mice, provide a unique opportunity to study specific mechanisms of cell-mediated responses that target the kidney. In the past year the role of major histocompatibility complex molecule expression and T-cell repertoire selection has been better defined in some models of autoimmune renal disease. In addition, new observations regarding mechanisms that down regulate injurious T-cell-mediated responses may direct further studies that develop new therapeutic modalities.