M2 Macrophage Infiltrates in the Early Stages of ANCA-Associated Pauci-Immune Necrotizing GN

Abstract

Early pauci-immune necrotizing GN is characterized by a selective localization of CD163(+) M2 macrophages at sites of glomerular fibrinoid necrosis and in normal-appearing glomeruli. These observations indicate that alternatively activated macrophages are positioned as potential effectors of glomerular injury in the early stages of pauci-immune necrotizing GN and may be potential targets for therapeutic intervention.