Macrophage Cell Therapy in Renal Disease

SummaryMacrophages play an important role in many aspects of tissue injury, inflammation, and repair. Macrophage accumulation is found in most forms of renal disease and depletion studies have shown that they contribute to injury. However, it is also clear that monocytes and macrophages can develop reparative properties that are critical to disease resolution. A number of studies have now shown that macrophages can be transduced or stimulated ex vivo, injected after the initiation of disease, and localize preferentially to the site of renal inflammation. Such macrophage cell therapy can result in reduced inflammation and fibrosis and lead to improved renal function and attenuation of proteinuria. These studies provide a platform for future translational approaches in human renal disease.