Though studies have investigated role of spleen in the pathogenesis of sepsis (Hiraoka et al., 1995; Suzuki et al., 1996; Shih-Ching et al., 2004), it is unknown if SPN-X would protect against sepsis-induced AKI, and whether spleen is required for hepcidin to mediate its protection. Here, HAMP is linked to acute kidney injury.