Accumulation of Senescent Cells in Kidneys is Dependent on Host Immune Status

Cellular senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest induced by various mechanisms such as telomere shortening or as a response to various pathophysiologic stressors. This fundamental biological process results in the accumulation of senescent cells which can no longer replicate and regenerate. In the kidney, senescent cells accumulate during natural aging as well as in response to renal injury leading to fibrosis, a chronic inflammatory state and an overall decline in renal function. Clearance of senescent cells is modified by immune surveillance, which in turn, is affected by the immune status of the patient. Our study examines the difference in the accumulation of senescence markers in renal tissue in immunosuppressed states including HIV, Lupus nephritis and post‐transplant in contrast to renal biopsies from non‐immunosuppressed patients (hypertension, diabetes).