A primitive type of renin-expressing lymphocyte protects the organism against infections

The hormone renin plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. Normally, renin is synthesized by juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, a specialized group of myoepithelial cells located near the entrance to the kidney glomeruli. In response to low blood pressure and/or a decrease in extracellular fluid volume (as it occurs during dehydration, hypotension, or septic shock) JG cells respond by releasing renin to the circulation to reestablish homeostasis. Interestingly, renin-expressing cells also exist outside of the kidney, where their function has remained a mystery. We discovered a unique type of renin-expressing B-1 lymphocytes that may have unrecognized roles in defending the organism against infections. These cells synthesize and release renin, entrap and phagocyte bacteria and control bacterial growth. The ability of renin-bearing lymphocytes to control infections - which is enhanced by the presence of renin - adds a novel, previously unsuspected dimension to the defense role of renin-expressing cells, linking the endocrine control of circulatory homeostasis with the immune control of infections to ensure survival.