Monocyte-derived tissue effector cells, macrophages, are present in large numbers in all
forms of kidney disease with inflammation. Their roles in inflammation and the molecular
effectors of macrophage function have been difficult to decipher. With the advent of modern
genetic tools and mouse models of human disease, great insight into monocyte/macrophage
biology has been forthcoming. This review places macrophage study in its historical context,
defines immunologic diseases of the kidney, broadens its definition to encompass current …