Renal tissue

Renal tissue via SOX9+/CD73+ autologous renal progenitor cells refers to a regenerative medicine approach targeting the kidney, specifically for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This strategy utilizes a specific population of autologous cells, often termed Selected Renal Cells (SRC), which are isolated from a patient's own kidney biopsy, expanded ex vivo, and re-injected into the renal parenchyma. The therapeutic cell population is characterized by the expression of SOX9, a transcription factor essential for renal development and repair, and CD73 (5'-nucleotidase), a marker associated with progenitor and mesenchymal properties. Once implanted, these cells are thought to promote tissue repair through direct integration into damaged tubules and the secretion of paracrine factors that reduce inflammation and fibrosis. This approach is currently being advanced in clinical trials, such as ProKidney's REACT program, to delay or reverse the progression of CKD toward end-stage renal disease. The use of autologous cells minimizes the risk of immune rejection, though challenges remain regarding cell characterization and the invasive nature of the delivery procedure.

Other names

KidneyRenal parenchymaRenal tubuleSelected renal cells (SRC)

Cell replacement and paracrine-mediated tissue regeneration