Dendritic Cells and Macrophages: Sentinels in the Kidney.
The mononuclear phagocytes (dendritic cells and macrophages) are closely related immune cells with central roles in anti-infectious defense and maintenance of organ integrity. The canonical function of dendritic cells is the activation of T cells, whereas macrophages remove apoptotic cells and microbes by phagocytosis. In the kidney, these cell types form an intricate system of mononuclear phagocytes that surveys against injury and infection and contributes to organ homeostasis and tissue repair but may also promote progression of CKD. This review summarizes the general functions and classification of dendritic cells and macrophages in the immune system and recapitulates why overlapping definitions and historically separate research have created controversy about their tasks. Their roles in acute kidney disease, CKD, and renal transplantation are described, and therapeutic strategy to modify these cells for therapeutic purposes is discussed.
['Weisheit|Christina K|CK|', 'Engel|Daniel R|DR|', 'Kurts|Christian|C|']
D000818:Animals D003713:Dendritic Cells D006801:Humans D007108:Immune Tolerance D007167:Immunotherapy D007668:Kidney D007674:Kidney Diseases D016030:Kidney Transplantation D008264:Macrophages D010641:Phenotype D051192:Receptors, Pattern Recognition D014552:Urinary Tract Infections
macrophages kidney disease immunology immunology and pathology immunosuppression