Clinical Significance

Antibodies to AT1R have been shown to be involved in humoral rejection of renal allografts. Binding of AT1R antibody to the receptor is agonistic provoking the effects of AT1R activation including smooth muscle contraction, tissue remodeling, cell growth and inflammation. Downstream effects include liver fibrosis and steatosis, preeclampsia, damage to retinal neuronal cells, lung fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, impaired wound healing and congestive heart failure.