Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
05:52
Author Spotlight: Magnetic Bead-Based Isolation of Murine Dermal Lymphatic Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 21, 2023
2.6K
Dendritic Cells and T Cells Interact Within Murine Afferent Lymphatic Capillaries
Morgan Campbell Hunter1, Alvaro Teijeira1, Riccardo Montecchi1
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Immunology
|April 11, 2019
Summary
Immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, interact within lymphatic capillaries, influencing immune responses. These intralymphatic interactions can be short-lived or long-lived, impacting immune cell behavior and potentially regulating peripheral tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Lymphatic System Research
Background:
- Afferent lymphatic vessels are crucial for immune surveillance, transporting antigens and leukocytes to lymph nodes.
- These vessels are increasingly recognized for their role in regulating peripheral tolerance.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells are key immune cells involved in adaptive immunity and tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavior and interactions of dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells within afferent lymphatic capillaries.
- To determine the nature and duration of DC-T cell interactions in the lymphatic vasculature during immune responses.
- To explore the functional consequences of intralymphatic DC-T cell interactions on immune cell migration and modulation.
Main Methods:
- Intravital microscopy was performed in inflamed murine ear skin models.
- The migration and interactions of fluorescently labeled dendritic cells and T cells were observed in vivo.
- Contact hypersensitivity and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses were utilized to study different immune contexts.
Main Results:
- Migrating DCs and antigen-experienced effector T cells were observed to arrest or cluster within lymphatic capillaries.
- Frequent interactions between intralymphatic T cells and DCs were documented.
- While most interactions were short-lived in contact hypersensitivity, long-lived MHCII-dependent interactions occurred in delayed-type hypersensitivity.
- Long-lived intralymphatic interactions slowed DC crawling but did not impede overall migration to lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic capillaries serve as a unique site for adaptive immune interactions and modulation.
- Intralymphatic DC-T cell interactions can be context-dependent, influencing immune cell behavior.
- These findings highlight a novel role for lymphatic capillaries in immune regulation and peripheral tolerance.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Neurons: The Cell Body and the Dendrites
6.8K
A typical nerve cell comprises three main components: the cell body, dendrites, and the axon. The cell body, also known as the soma or perikaryon, serves as the central biosynthetic hub housing a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm containing organelles commonly found in most cells. Notably, Nissl bodies, clusters of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes responsible for protein synthesis, are distinctive features of the neuronal cell body. As neurons age, aggregates of a brown pigment...
6.8K
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
2.0K
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
2.0K
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
9.0K
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
9.0K
02:57Surface Tension, Capillary Action, and Viscosity
33.1K
Surface Tension
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
The various IMFs between identical molecules of a substance are examples of cohesive forces. The molecules within a liquid are surrounded by other molecules and are attracted equally in all directions by the cohesive forces within the liquid. However, the molecules on the surface of a liquid are attracted only by about one-half as many molecules. Because of the unbalanced molecular attractions on the surface molecules, liquids contract to form a shape that minimizes the number...
33.1K
01:22Introduction to Lymphatic and Immune System
16.8K
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...
The immune responses can be categorized into two types: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity comprises nonspecific defenses we are...
16.8K
01:28Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System
6.6K
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...
6.6K