Inflammation in AKI

Immunomodulatory therapies hold considerable promise to limit AKI; however, global inhibition of cytokines and immune cells have not been shown to be effective therapies in many acute conditions due to increased rates of complications from immunosuppression. We use a variety of genetically floxed mice in order to explore the mechanisms by which cytokines, chemokines, and specific immune cells modulate kidney injury and kidney recovery. Our laboratory is funded to study effects of the interleukin-1 receptor in myeloid cells for its effects on AKI. We are attempting to determine the cell-specific actions of these cytokines and immune cells with the hope that targeted therapies could be efficacious while limiting off target effects.