CX3CR1+ interstitial dendritic cells form a contiguous network throughout the entire kidney.
Dendritic cells (DCs) interface innate and adaptive immunity in nonlymphoid organs; however, the exact distribution and types of DC within the kidney are not known. We utilized CX3CR1GFP/+ mice to characterize the anatomy and phenotype of tissue-resident CX3CR1+ DCs within normal kidney. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy revealed an extensive, contiguous network of stellate-shaped CX3CR1+ DCs throughout the interstitial and mesangial spaces of the entire kidney. Intravital microscopy of the superficial cortex showed stationary interstitial CX3CR1+ DCs that continually probe the surrounding tissue environment through dendrite extensions. Flow cytometry of renal CX3CR1+ DCs showed significant coexpression of CD11c and F4/80, high major histocompatibility complex class II and FcR expression, and immature costimulatory but competent phagocytic ability indicative of tissue-resident, immature DCs ready to respond to environment cues. Thus, within the renal parenchyma, there exists little immunological privilege from the surveillance provided by renal CX3CR1+ DCs, a major constituent of the heterogeneous mononuclear phagocyte system populating normal kidney.
Soos
T J
TJ
Division of Nephrology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA. soost01@med.nyu.edu
Sims
T N
TN
Barisoni
L
L
Lin
K
K
Littman
D R
DR
Dustin
M L
ML
Nelson
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D000073883:CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000073883:CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1; C471885:Cx3cr1 protein, mouse; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins