Chemokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and cell migration in secondary lymphoid organs

Secondary lymphoid organs serve as hubs for the adaptive immune system, bringing together antigen, antigen-presenting cells, and lymphocytes. Two families of G protein-coupled receptors play essential roles in lymphocyte migration through these organs: chemokine receptors and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. Chemokines expressed by lymphoid stromal cells guide lymphocyte and dendritic cell movements during antigen surveillance and the initiation of adaptive immune responses. S1P receptor-1 is required for lymphocyte egress from thymus and secondary lymphoid organs and is downregulated by the immunosuppressive drug FTY720. Here, we review the steps associated with the initiation of adaptive immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs, highlighting the roles of chemokines and S1P.