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Visualization and functional characterization of lymphoid organ fibroblasts
Lucas Onder1, Hung-Wei Cheng1, Burkhard Ludewig1
1Institute of Immunobiology, Medical Research Center, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
Immunological Reviews
|December 6, 2021
Summary
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are key stromal cells in lymphoid organs. Recent studies reveal how FRC subsets and their niches control immune cell interactions, development, and function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) form the structural framework of lymphoid organs.
- FRCs interact with immune cells, presenting antigens and providing crucial cytokines.
- Specialized FRC subsets create unique microenvironments (niches) for immune cell regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on FRC-immune cell interactions.
- To discuss the development and differentiation of FRCs.
- To highlight the role of imaging in understanding FRC biology and the immune niche concept.
Main Methods:
- Genetic targeting of FRCs.
- High-dimensional transcriptomic analyses.
- Advanced imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- Defined distinct FRC subsets with niche-specific functions.
- Demonstrated FRCs' role in immune cell positioning, antigen presentation, and cytokine provision.
- Showcased imaging's contribution to understanding FRCs and immune niches.
Conclusions:
- FRC subsets are critical for orchestrating immune responses within specialized niches.
- Imaging technologies have significantly advanced the understanding of FRC biology and immune regulation.
- FRC-driven niches are central to immune cell maintenance and controlling immune reactivity.
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