Although the molecular basis of this process is not fully understood, MCP-1 secreted from mesangial or endothelial cells or infiltrating CD8-positive lymphocytes or macrophages induces glomerular macrophage accumulation, and other members of the MMP family such as MMP-2 and -9 degrade ECM constituents in the kidney and are thus implicated in several renal disease models9, 24, 31. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and kidney disorder.