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Published on: November 10, 2021
Mast cells and inflammatory kidney disease.
Ulrich Blank1, Marie Essig, Lisa Scandiuzzi
1Inserm U699, Immunopathologie Rénale, Récepteurs et Inflammation, Univesité Paris 7, Paris, France. ublank@bichat.inserm.fr
Mast cells (MCs) play a dual role in inflammatory kidney disease. While often increasing during disease, they can protect kidneys by promoting repair and limiting harmful immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Inflammatory kidney diseases involve complex cellular interactions.
- Mast cells (MCs) are present in kidneys and increase during renal diseases.
- Their role was traditionally viewed as pathological.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells in kidney homeostasis and disease.
- To explore the protective and detrimental functions of mast cells in renal inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MC-deficient animal models.
- Studied anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis.
- Analyzed MC interactions with kidney cells and inflammatory mediators.
Main Results:
- MCs demonstrated protective effects in glomerulonephritis by initiating repair and remodeling.
- MCs exhibited immunoregulatory capacities, limiting autoreactive T-cell responses.
- MCs influenced tubulointerstitial fibrosis, with context-dependent outcomes (protection or aggravation).
Conclusions:
- Mast cells have a context-dependent role in kidney disease, capable of both protection and exacerbation.
- The physiological context, including interactions with other cells and mediators, determines MC function in renal pathology.
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