Macrophage heterogeneity, phenotypes, and roles in renal fibrosis

Macrophages (MΦ) are highly heterogeneous cells that exhibit distinct phenotypic and functional characteristics depending on their microenvironment and the disease type and stage. MΦ are distributed throughout normal and diseased kidney tissue, where they have been recognized as key factors in renal fibrosis. Recent studies have identified switch of phenotype and diverse roles for MΦ in several murine models of kidney disease. In this review, we discuss macrophage heterogeneity and their involvement in renal fibrosis.