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Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Generation of Lymph Node-fat Pad Chimeras for the Study of Lymph Node Stromal Cell Origin
Published on: December 16, 2013
Tertiary Lymphoid Structures: Diversity in Their Development, Composition, and Role
Catarina Gago da Graça1, Lisa G M van Baarsen2,3,4, Reina E Mebius5
1Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
Lymph node stromal cells coordinate the adaptive immune response in secondary lymphoid organs, providing both a structural matrix and soluble factors that regulate survival and migration of immune cells, ultimately promoting Ag encounter. In several inflamed tissues, resident fibroblasts can acquire lymphoid-stroma properties and drive the formation of ectopic aggregates of immune cells, named tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). Mature TLSs are functional sites for the development of adaptive responses and, consequently, when present, can have an impact in both autoimmunity and cancer conditions. In this review, we go over recent findings concerning both lymph node stromal cells and TLSs function and formation and further describe what is currently known about their role in disease, particularly their potential in tolerance.
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