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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
05:47
Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
Published on: August 19, 2014
Fibroblast-type reticular stromal cells regulate the lymph node vasculature.
Susan Chyou1, Eric H Ekland, April C Carpenter
1Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|September 5, 2008
Summary
Fibroblast-type reticular stromal cells (FRCs) are key regulators of lymph node vascularity, controlling endothelial cell proliferation via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This highlights FRCs
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Lymph node vasculature is crucial for immune function, but its maintenance and growth mechanisms are poorly understood.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mediates endothelial cell proliferation in lymph nodes, but its source remains unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary VEGF-expressing cells in lymph nodes during homeostasis and immune responses.
- To elucidate the role of fibroblast-type reticular stromal cells (FRCs) in regulating lymph node vascularity.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to identify VEGF-expressing cells in lymph nodes.
- VEGF blockade and Lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR) signaling manipulation in murine models.
- Analysis of endothelial cell proliferation in response to VEGF and LTbetaR modulation.
Main Results:
- FRCs are the principal homeostatic VEGF producers in lymph nodes, regulating endothelial cell proliferation.
- LTbetaR signaling on FRCs controls homeostatic VEGF levels and endothelial cell proliferation.
- FRCs remain the main VEGF source during immune responses, influencing both PNAd(+) and PNAd(-) endothelial cell expansion.
Conclusions:
- FRCs act as critical paracrine regulators of lymph node endothelial cells.
- Targeting FRC VEGF expression offers a potential strategy to modulate lymph node vascularity and immune function.
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