The immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil is a potential new treatment for autoimmune renal disease. In addition to its effects in modulating the autoimmune response, mycophenolate mofetil reduces adhesion molecule expression and delays the progression of renal failure. Data from experimental models of glomerulonephritis, especially of lupus nephritis, have demonstrated that mycophenolate mofetil reverses both inflammatory and autoimmune aspects of disease and influences outcome. As yet, clinical experience with mycophenolate mofetil remains anecdotal but provides a strong platform for the scientific evaluation of mycophenolate mofetil as a new therapeutic agent for these conditions in the future.