kidney_upper_slim part of part of kidney cell kidney interstitial cell Kidney interstitial cells, also referred to as renal interstitial cells, play a critical role in the structure and function of the kidneys. They are found in the interstitial space within the kidney and compose a diverse group of cells, including fibroblasts, pericytes, and immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages. Unlike other cell types in the kidney, interstitial cells are not involved in the direct process of filtration, reabsorption, or secretion of substances into and out of the blood. Instead, they are functionally and structurally supportive, aiding the nephrons, the functional units of the kidneys, to effectively carry out their roles. Kidney interstitial cells maintain the structural integrity of the kidney. They produce extracellular matrix proteins that provide a supportive scaffold to other cell types in the kidney. These proteins not only hold the kidney together but also play a crucial role in tissue repair following injury. Additionally, they contribute to the regulation of renal blood flow by interacting with the renal microvasculature, potentially influencing the process of urine formation indirectly. Another key role of kidney interstitial cells revolves around immune responses and inflammation. Through their interaction with immune cells, they can initiate and modulate inflammatory responses, thus playing a crucial role in defending the kidneys against infections. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1000500 KUPO:0001013 ZFA:0009390 A cell that is part of kidney interstitium. interstitial cell kidney interstitium