Renal Interstitial Cell

**Semantic type:** Cell

**Definition:** A cell of the interstitial tissue of the renal parenchyma. A renal interstitial cell is one of two types. A type I interstitial cell is a fibroblastic cell that is active in the deposition and degradation of the interstitial matrix. It contributes to fibrosis in response to chronic irritation. A type II cell is a macrophage-derived mononuclear cell with phagocytic and immunologic properties. A type II cell is important in antigen presentation. Its cytokines contribute to recruitment of infiltrating cells, progression of injury, and sustenance of fibrogenesis.