Although the detection of Tat mRNA in the kidney, as well as the LacZ glomerular staining in newborn mice sacrificed within 48 h of the viral infection, demonstrates that glomerular cells were transduced by the adenoviral vectors, we cannot rule out the possibility that Tat released into the circulation by hepatocytes at later time points might be deposited in the kidney, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of HIVAN. Here, TAT is linked to HIV-associated nephropathy.