Single gene knock-outs in mice have been used to define the biological role of leukocyte adhesion receptors, Fc-gamma receptors and complement in animal models of immune complex glomerulonephritis. These studies have shown important differences in the role of P-selectin in glomerular inflammation and inflammation at other sites, and have given a new appreciation of the dominant role played by Fc-gamma receptors in immune complex-induced glomerular injury.