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Updated: Jun 28, 2025
Phenotypic Characterization of Macrophages from Rat Kidney by Flow Cytometry
Published on: October 18, 2016
Monocytes and Macrophages in Kidney Disease and Homeostasis
Rajesh Nachiappa Ganesh1,2, Gabriela Garcia3, Luan Truong1
1Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
The monocyte-macrophage lineage of inflammatory cells is characterized by significant morphologic and functional plasticity. Macrophages have broad M1 and M2 phenotype subgroups with distinctive functions and dual reno-toxic and reno-protective effects. Macrophages are a major contributor to injury in immune-complex-mediated, as well as pauci-immune, glomerulonephritis. Macrophages are also implicated in tubulointerstitial and vascular disease, though there have not been many human studies. Patrolling monocytes in the intravascular compartment have been reported in auto-immune injury in the renal parenchyma, manifesting as acute kidney injury. Insights into the pathogenetic roles of macrophages in renal disease suggest potentially novel therapeutic and prognostic biomarkers and targeted therapy. This review provides a concise overview of the macrophage-induced pathogenetic mechanism as a background for the latest findings about macrophages' roles in different renal compartments and common renal diseases.
Insights
Macrophages, a type of inflammatory cell, play key roles in kidney injury and disease. Understanding their functions offers insights into potential new therapies and biomarkers for renal conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocyte-macrophage lineage exhibits significant plasticity.
- Macrophages possess M1 and M2 phenotypes with dual reno-toxic and reno-protective effects.
- Macrophages contribute to various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial, and vascular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review macrophage-induced pathogenetic mechanisms in renal diseases.
- To highlight the latest findings on macrophage roles in different renal compartments.
- To provide a background for understanding macrophage involvement in common renal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on macrophages in renal pathology.
- Synthesis of information on macrophage plasticity and phenotypes (M1/M2).
- Analysis of macrophage roles in immune-complex and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis, and other renal injuries.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are central to injury in immune-complex and pauci-immune glomerulonephritis.
- Monocytes contribute to acute kidney injury in autoimmune renal disease.
- Macrophages are implicated in tubulointerstitial and vascular kidney diseases, with limited human data.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages are critical players in the pathogenesis of diverse renal diseases.
- Understanding macrophage roles can lead to novel therapeutic strategies and prognostic biomarkers.
- Further human studies are needed to fully elucidate macrophage contributions to kidney pathology.
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