Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Intrarenal Injection of Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Pyelonephritis
Published on: July 18, 2017
Kidney dendritic cells induce innate immunity against bacterial pyelonephritis
André P Tittel1, Christoph Heuser, Christina Ohliger
1Institutes of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universita¨ t,Bonn, Germany.
Kidney dendritic cells (DCs) act as sentinels, initiating an immune response against pyelonephritis by recruiting neutrophils. This essential function aids in clearing bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Renal Medicine
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are prevalent in the kidney interstitium, hinting at a role in pyelonephritis.
- Pyelonephritis, a kidney infection, necessitates understanding the early immune cell interactions involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of kidney dendritic cells in the innate immune response to pyelonephritis.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which dendritic cells recruit other immune cells during kidney infection.
Main Methods:
- Optimized a murine pyelonephritis model using uropathogenic Escherichia coli.
- Utilized CD11c.DTR mice for conditional depletion of dendritic cells.
- Quantified chemokine production (CXCL2) and immune cell infiltration (neutrophils, macrophages).
Main Results:
- Kidney dendritic cells secreted CXCL2, recruiting neutrophils to the infection site.
- Neutrophil infiltration and bacterial clearance were significantly delayed in the absence of dendritic cells.
- Macrophages were recruited later and contributed less to CXCL2 production and bacterial phagocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Tubulointerstitial dendritic cells function as sentinels in innate immunity against pyelonephritis.
- Dendritic cells are crucial for initiating neutrophil recruitment and bacterial clearance in the kidney.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

