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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
Rapid Depletion of Renal Macrophages Using Human CD59/Intermedilysin Cell Ablation Tool
Published on: May 9, 2025
Macrophages in renal development, injury, and repair
Timothy M Williams1, Melissa H Little, Sharon D Ricardo
1Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Macrophages have long been regarded as classic mediators of innate immunity because of their production of proinflammatory cytokines and their ability to induce apoptotic cell death. As a result of such activities and the detrimental long-term effect of kidney inflammation, macrophages principally have been regarded as mediators of glomerular damage, tubular cell death, and the downstream fibrotic events leading to chronic kidney disease. Although this has been the accepted consequence of macrophage infiltration in kidney disease, macrophages also play a critical role in normal organ development, cell turnover, and recovery from injury in many organs, including the kidney. There is also a growing awareness that there is considerable heterogeneity of phenotype and function within the macrophage population and that a greater understanding of these different states of activation may result in the development of therapies specifically designed to capitalize on this variation in phenotype and cellular responses. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of induction and consequences of classic versus alternative macrophage activation and highlight what additional therapeutic options this may provide for the management of both acute and chronic kidney disease as well as renal cancer.
Insights
Macrophages, traditionally seen as harmful in kidney disease, also aid organ repair. Understanding their diverse roles offers new therapeutic avenues for kidney conditions and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are key innate immunity cells, often linked to kidney inflammation and damage.
- Historically, their role in kidney disease focused on detrimental effects like glomerular damage and fibrosis.
- Emerging evidence highlights macrophage roles in normal kidney development, repair, and cellular turnover.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of macrophages in kidney health and disease.
- To explore the heterogeneity of macrophage phenotypes and functions.
- To identify therapeutic potential arising from understanding macrophage activation states.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of macrophage biology in the context of kidney disease.
- Analysis of classic versus alternative macrophage activation pathways.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Macrophages exhibit diverse functions beyond pro-inflammatory responses.
- Distinct activation states (classic vs. alternative) have different consequences in kidney injury.
- Macrophage heterogeneity presents opportunities for targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- Re-evaluating macrophages' role in kidney disease is crucial.
- Targeting specific macrophage phenotypes can offer novel treatments for kidney diseases.
- Understanding macrophage plasticity is key for managing renal conditions and cancer.
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