Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
06:50
The Use of Mouse Splenocytes to Assess Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern Influence on Clock Gene Expression
Published on: July 24, 2018
8.0K
Lymphocyte Circadian Clocks Control Lymph Node Trafficking and Adaptive Immune Responses
David Druzd1, Olga Matveeva2, Louise Ince1
1BioMedical Center, Walter-Brendel-Centre for Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
Immunity
|January 15, 2017
Summary
Immune cell circulation is not continuous but follows a daily circadian rhythm. Lymphocyte migration into lymph nodes peaks at night, influencing immune responses and disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Chronobiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Lymphocytes continuously circulate through lymph nodes seeking antigens.
- The precise timing and regulation of this migration are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of lymphocyte migration through lymph nodes.
- To determine if circadian rhythms regulate lymphocyte trafficking and immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized lineage-specific genetic ablation to disrupt circadian clock function in lymphocytes.
- Monitored lymphocyte and dendritic cell numbers in lymph nodes and efferent lymph.
- Assessed disease severity in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model following timed immunization.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated non-continuous, circadian lymphocyte migration into lymph nodes, peaking at night onset.
- Observed strong oscillations in lymphocyte cellularity and dendritic cell numbers.
- Showed that disruption of T cell circadian clocks abolished these rhythms and altered disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte migration through lymph nodes is under circadian control, dependent on rhythmic promigratory factors.
- The time of immunization critically impacts adaptive immune responses due to these circadian rhythms.
Related Concept Videos
02:19Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
4.6K
The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
4.6K
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
7.5K
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...
7.5K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
9.7K
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...
9.7K
01:23Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes
5.6K
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...
5.6K
01:23Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System
18.6K
Immunity is a crucial biological concept about our body's inherent capacity to prevent infections and diseases. A complex network of cells and tissues collectively known as the immune system facilitates this natural defense mechanism. The immune system plays an integral role in maintaining our health and well-being, shielding us from potential health threats.
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are born...
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are born...
18.6K
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