Abstract:

The high infiltrating levels of monocytes/macrophages(MO) in rejecting allografts have been associated with severe rejection, and glomerular MO infiltration in particular has been shown to be an indicator of poor outcome. A deeper understanding of how macrophages accumulate within the kidney and of what factors control their differentiation may identify novel therapeutic targets in transplantation. This review discusses the derivation and distribution of MO and evidence for the various roles played by macrophages including promotion of in?ammation in response to IRI and mediation of kidney damage during rejection.

Key words: monocytes/macrophages , allograft , rejection