Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies response of renal lymphatic endothelial cells to acute kidney injury.

Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in other disease models have been demonstrated to regulate the immune response and subsequent inflammation. In this study we utilized scRNA sequencing to investigate how LECs respond to renal injury. Our results indicate that renal LECs alter genetic expression associated with biological processes such as lymphangiogenesis and immunomodulatory interactions. Targeting LEC-immune signaling may provide a novel therapeutic target to limit post-AKI inflammation and progression to chronic kidney disease.