Using CD11c-DTR transgenic mice we have previously published studies that demonstrated that depletion of DCs with diphtheria toxin significantly protected mouse kidneys from ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) [7,38], and conversely a dose-dependent increase in DC numbers exacerbated kidney injury [7], suggesting that DCs could play a major role in regulating AKI. This evidence concerns the gene ITGAX and acute kidney injury.