Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Simultaneous Study of the Recruitment of Monocyte Subpopulations Under Flow In Vitro
Published on: November 26, 2018
Resident renal mononuclear phagocytes comprise five discrete populations with distinct phenotypes and functions
Takahisa Kawakami1, Julia Lichtnekert, Lucas J Thompson
1Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. kawakat-tky@umin.net
Abstract:
Recent reports have highlighted greater complexity, plasticity, and functional diversity of mononuclear phagocytes (MPCs), including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), in our organs than previously understood. The functions and origins of MPCs resident within healthy organs, especially in the kidney, are less well understood, whereas studies suggest they play roles in disease states distinct from recruited monocytes. We developed an unbiased approach using flow cytometry to analyze MPCs residing in the normal mouse kidney, and identified five discrete subpopulations according to CD11b/CD11c expression as well as F4/80, CD103, CD14, CD16, and CD64 expression. In addition to distinct marker profiles, these subpopulations have different lineages and expression of genes involved in tissue homeostasis, including angiogenesis. Among them, the CD11b(int)CD11c(int) F4/80(high) subpopulation notably exhibited high capacity to produce a representative anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Each subpopulation had different degrees of both macrophage (phagocytosis) and DC (Ag presentation) capacities, with a tendency to promote differentiation of regulatory T cells, whereas two of these showed expression of transcription factors reported to be highly expressed by classical DCs, and proclivity to exit the kidney following stimulation with LPS. In summary, resident kidney MPCs comprise discrete subpopulations, which cannot be simply classified into the conventional entities, and they produce anti-inflammatory and tissue-homeostatic factors to differing degrees.
Insights
Resident kidney mononuclear phagocytes (MPCs) are more diverse than previously thought. These distinct MPC subpopulations in the kidney play varied roles in tissue homeostasis and immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Renal Science
Background:
- Mononuclear phagocytes (MPCs), including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs), exhibit complex functions in organs.
- The specific roles and origins of MPCs in healthy kidneys are not well understood.
- Resident kidney MPCs may have functions distinct from recruited monocytes during disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the heterogeneity of mononuclear phagocytes residing in the normal mouse kidney.
- To identify distinct subpopulations of kidney-resident MPCs and their functional capacities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an unbiased flow cytometry approach to analyze MPCs in the normal mouse kidney.
- Characterized subpopulations based on CD11b/CD11c, F4/80, CD103, CD14, CD16, and CD64 expression.
- Assessed gene expression related to tissue homeostasis and functional capacities like cytokine production and antigen presentation.
Main Results:
- Identified five discrete MPC subpopulations in the mouse kidney based on surface marker expression.
- These subpopulations displayed distinct lineage markers and gene expression profiles related to tissue homeostasis and angiogenesis.
- One subpopulation (CD11b(int)CD11c(int) F4/80(high)) showed high capacity for producing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
- Different subpopulations exhibited varying phagocytic (macrophage) and antigen-presenting (DC) capacities, influencing regulatory T cell differentiation.
- Two subpopulations expressed transcription factors characteristic of classical DCs and could egress from the kidney upon LPS stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Resident kidney MPCs are composed of diverse subpopulations that defy simple classification into conventional immune cell types.
- These subpopulations contribute to kidney homeostasis by producing anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective factors.
- The distinct functional profiles of kidney-resident MPCs suggest specialized roles in renal health and potentially disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Immune 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...
01:30Classification of Leukocytes
Neutrophils are the most abundant type of granular leukocytes, comprising 50-70% of all leukocytes. They feature small, evenly distributed granules and a...
01:28Cells 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...
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
01:10Nephrons