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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
05:47
Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
Published on: August 19, 2014
Mast cell-derived particles deliver peripheral signals to remote lymph nodes
Christian A Kunder1, Ashley L St John, Guojie Li
1Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 8, 2009
Summary
Peripheral mast cells release stable particles carrying inflammatory signals like tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These heparin-based complexes travel through lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes, enabling communication during infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Inflammatory signals must reach draining lymph nodes (DLNs) during infection.
- The mechanism for signal transport over distance without degradation is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how peripheral inflammatory signals reach DLNs.
- To identify the mechanism of long-distance immune communication.
Main Methods:
- Activation of peripheral mast cells.
- Analysis of released particles using electron microscopy and protein assays.
- Tracking particle transport via lymphatic vessels to DLNs.
Main Results:
- Activated mast cells release stable, submicrometer heparin-based particles.
- These particles contain inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
- Particles rapidly traffic from peripheral tissues to DLNs via lymphatic vessels.
Conclusions:
- Mast cell-released heparin particles act as a physiological drug delivery system.
- This system facilitates communication between peripheral inflammation sites and DLNs.
- Heparin particles are crucial for immune response coordination during infection.
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