Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
07:40
Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy
Published on: August 9, 2019
14.5K
Ectopic Lymphoid Structures: Powerhouse of Autoimmunity
Elisa Corsiero1, Alessandra Nerviani1, Michele Bombardieri1
1Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London , London , UK.
Frontiers in Immunology
|November 2, 2016
Summary
Ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) form in autoimmune diseases, driving autoimmune responses. This review details ELS formation, regulation, and their role in perpetuating autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS) are key inflammatory sites in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- These structures feature organized T/B cell aggregates and germinal centers, crucial for immune responses.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on ELS formation mechanisms in tertiary lymphoid organs.
- It emphasizes the role of lymphoid chemokines, T follicular helper cells, and IL-27 in ELS regulation.
Key Points:
- Lymphoid chemokines are critical for initiating and sustaining ELS.
- Emerging regulators, including T follicular helper cells (positive) and IL-27 (negative), modulate ELS development and function.
- ELS support autoreactive B cell maturation and differentiation, perpetuating humoral autoimmunity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ELS regulation offers therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.
- ELS play a significant role in the chronic inflammation and tissue damage seen in autoimmune conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
3.6K
Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
3.6K
01:15Secondary Lymphoid Organs
10.0K
Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
10.0K
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
16.4K
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
16.4K
01:23Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
5.7K
Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that cluster along the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions. Each node is divided into compartments by a capsule that extends trabeculae inward.
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
5.7K
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
7.6K
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
7.6K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
9.8K
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
9.8K