The kidney microenvironment influences macrophage response and basement membrane homeostasis

The kidney contains distinct glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments with diverse cell types and extracellular matrix components. Glomerular disease is characterized by excess matrix deposition and the loss of filtration barrier integrity. The role of immune cells in glomerular disease is crucial for dampening inflammation and maintaining homeostasis. Macrophages are innate immune cells influenced by their tissue microenvironment, but it is unclear how these cells contribute to distinct extracellular matrix compartments within the kidney. Bulk RNA-sequencing was used to determine the transcriptional landscapes of kidney macrophages.