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Assessment of Lymphocyte Migration in an Ex Vivo Transmigration System
Published on: September 20, 2019
Gut lymphocyte migration: we are halfway 'home'.
Jerry R McGhee1, Jun Kunisawa, Hiroshi Kiyono
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-2170, USA. mcghee@uab.edu
Trends in Immunology
|February 13, 2007
Summary
Gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) dendritic cells (DCs) imprint B cells for gut homing using retinoic acid. These DCs, with IL-5 and IL-6, also promote IgA class switching and synthesis for mucosal immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastrointestinal immunology
- Mucosal immunity
Background:
- The gastrointestinal immune system relies on gut-associated lymphoreticular tissues (GALT) and lamina propria immune cells for secretory IgA responses.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) within GALT play a crucial role in initiating adaptive immune responses in the gut.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GALT dendritic cells (DCs) in B cell imprinting for gut homing.
- To explore the contribution of GALT DCs, IL-5, and IL-6 to IgA class switching and synthesis.
Main Methods:
- The study involved analyzing the microenvironment provided by GALT DCs.
- Investigated the effects of retinoic acid, IL-5, and IL-6 on B cell differentiation.
Main Results:
- Retinoic acid produced by GALT DCs was found to imprint B cells, directing them for gut homing.
- GALT DCs, in conjunction with IL-5 and IL-6, create conditions that support B cell switching to IgA and IgA synthesis.
Conclusions:
- GALT DCs are pivotal in orchestrating mucosal IgA responses by both imprinting gut-homing specificity and promoting IgA production.
- The findings highlight a dual role for GALT DCs in shaping adaptive immunity within the gastrointestinal tract.
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