About this Research Topic
The immune system is utterly vital for survival in humans. It is responsible for the body's defense against infectious organisms, external pathogens and other invaders, while the immune response is regulated precisely, to prevent extensive damage to the body.
In our immune system, there is a balance between offensive and defensive mechanisms and there are particular cell types, such as cytokines and suppressor T-cells, that prevent the extensive immune response. However, this system sometimes malfunctions, interpreting the body's own tissues as foreign and producing antibodies or immune cells that target and attack particular cells or tissues of the body, all of which lead to an autoimmune disease.
The immune system and the kidneys are closely linked. Kidneys contribute to immune homeostasis, while several key components of the immune response have been implicated in the progression of renal diseases. For example, over-reactive and persistent immune-inflammatory response results in tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis.
Although the range of mechanisms of immune dysregulation leading to renal disease is broad, the pathways leading to injury are similar. Loss of immune homeostasis in renal disease results in perpetual immune cell recruitment and worsening damage to the kidney. At the same time, uncoordinated attempts at tissue repair, after immune-mediated disease or non-immune mediated injury, result in fibrosis of structures important for renal function, leading eventually to kidney failure.
Overall, inflammatory mediators have actions to alter renal hemodynamics, salt and water homeostasis, and blood pressure control. Uncontrolled inflammation results in glomerular, tubular, and interstitial damage. These renal pathological actions can cause or significantly contribute to acute and chronic kidney diseases.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to evaluate the efficacy of regulatory immune cells therapy in kidney diseases. We aim to collect manuscripts on immune regulation in kidney diseases, including basic and translational research, reviews, and case reports.
Keywords: kidney, immunity, transplantation, rejection, immune cell therapy, CKDs, inflammation
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