Macrophage Function Modulated by tPA Signaling in Mouse Experimental Kidney Disease Models

Abstract

Macrophage infiltration and accumulation is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease regulating the homeostasis of blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and matrix degradation, and has been shown to act as a cytokine to trigger various receptor-mediated intracellular signal pathways, modulating macrophage function in response to kidney injury. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of tPA-modulated macrophage function and underlying signaling mechanisms during kidney fibrosis and inflammation.

Keywords

• tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
• macrophage function
• signal transduction
• inflammation
• nuclear factor- κB (NF-κB)
• low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP-1)