New understanding about the role of leukocytes, or white blood cells, through the kidneys will mean better targeted treatments for 20% of renal failure patients.
Researchers found that contrary to previously held beliefs, leukocytes are constantly circulate through healthy kidneys, while during disease they linger and become agitated, causing inflammation and kidney damage.
Currently doctors have to suppress the immune system to combat inflammation, but the improved understanding of how kidney disease develops means scientists can identify targets for more specific drugs with fewer side effects.
Read more at Monash University