Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Minireview: functions of the renal tract epithelium in coordinating the innate immune response to infection

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Zahed Chowdhury, Professor Neil SheerinORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Infection of the urinary tract remains one of the most common infections affecting mankind. Renal epithelial cells, being one of the first cells to come into contact with invading organisms, are in a key position to coordinate host defense. The epithelium not only provides a physical barrier to infection, but can also augment the immune response via the production of a number of inflammatory mediators and antimicrobial proteins. Recent work has demonstrated that cells of the innate immune system, including epithelial cells, express toll-like receptors (TLRs), with the capacity to recognize bacterial components. Although the exact mechanisms remain unclear, engagement of TLRs can lead to epithelial cell activation and the production of inflammatory mediators. These include complement proteins, other bactericidal peptides, and chemotactic cytokines. The resulting inflammatory infiltrate serves to aid bacterial clearance, but can also lead to renal damage. In this review, we describe how renal epithelial cells contribute to the innate immune response to ascending urinary tract infection. We specifically relate previous work to more recent developments in this field. An improved understanding of the mechanisms involved may highlight potential therapeutic avenues to aid bacterial clearance and prevent the renal scarring associated with infection.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Chowdhury P, Sacks SH, Sheerin NS

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Kidney international

Year: 2004

Volume: 66

Issue: 4

Pages: 1334-1344

ISSN (print): 0085-2538

ISSN (electronic): 1523-1755

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1755.2004.00896.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1755.2004.00896.x

Notes: Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Review United States


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share