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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:47
Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
Published on: August 19, 2014
Stromal cell networks regulate lymphocyte entry, migration, and territoriality in lymph nodes
Marc Bajénoff1, Jackson G Egen, Lily Y Koo
1Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Immunology, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Immunity
|November 23, 2006
Summary
Lymphocyte migration in lymph nodes (LNs) is orchestrated by stromal networks. Fibroblastic reticular cells guide T cells, while follicular dendritic cells support B cell movement within LNs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Microanatomy
Background:
- Lymphocyte entry into lymph nodes (LNs) leads to spatial segregation of B cells in follicles and T cells in the paracortex.
- Lymphocyte migration patterns within these compartments are largely random and poorly understood beyond chemokine roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors governing spatial segregation and migration patterns of lymphocytes within lymph nodes.
- To elucidate the role of stromal networks in orchestrating lymphocyte movement.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy
- Electron microscopy
- Intravital microscopy
Main Results:
- The fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network regulates naive T cell entry and movement within the paracortex.
- A distinct follicular dendritic cell (FDC) network serves as the substrate for follicular B cell migration.
- Stromal microanatomy dictates lymphocyte positioning and movement within lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- Stromal networks, including FRCs and FDCs, are critical for organizing lymphocyte populations within lymph nodes.
- The physical structure of the lymph node microenvironment plays a central role in immune cell trafficking and function.
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