Abstract: Macrophages are characterized with high heterogeneity and plasticity, and play different roles in various physiological and pathological processes such as organ development, injury, repair and fibrosis. Macrophages, as key immune cells, participate in the whole process of transformation from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The phenotype of macrophage changed dynamically in respond to renal microenvironment and showed high diversity and functional specificity. In addition, AKI with uncontrolled inflammatory cell infiltration is likely to transform into CKD leading to poor prognosis. At present, there is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment methods. This paper reviews the research progress on the role and mechanism of macrophages in transformation of AKI to CKD, in order to provide new ideas to prevent development of AKI to CKD and formulating treatment strategies.

Key words: macrophages,acute renal injury,inflammatory infiltration,ischemia reperfusionrenal fibrosis