The diagram includes a depiction of a fibrotic kidney on the left. In the center, tubular epithelial cells are shown with dsRNA sensing via RIG-I/MAVS. Type 3 interferons (IFNs) are released and interact with IFNLR on renal fibroblasts. This interaction activates ERK and JNK pathways, leading to fibrosis through TGF beta and SMAD2/3 signaling. Figure was generated using BioRender.
During kidney fibrosis, dsRNA is sensed via RIG-I/MAVS by tubular epithelial cells, which produce type III IFNs. Type III IFNs are sensed by renal fibroblasts via the IFNLR that activates ERK/JNK inducing the production of TGFβ, which in turn activates SMAD2/3, fostering renal fibrosis.