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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Super-resolution Imaging of the Natural Killer Cell Immunological Synapse on a Glass-supported Planar Lipid Bilayer
Published on: February 11, 2015
Mapping human natural killer cell development in pediatric tonsil by imaging mass cytometry and high-resolution
Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa1, Janine E Melsen2,3, Hiranmayi Ravichandran4,5
1Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032.
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells develop from CD34+ progenitors in a stage-specific manner defined by changes in cell surface receptor expression and function. Secondary lymphoid tissues, including tonsil, are sites of human NK cell development. Here we present new insights into human NK cell development in pediatric tonsil using cyclic immunofluorescence and imaging mass cytometry. We show that NK cell subset localization and interactions are dependent on NK cell developmental stage and tissue residency. NK cell progenitors are found in the interfollicular domain in proximity to cytokine-expressing stromal cells that promote proliferation and maturation. Mature NK cells are primarily found in the T-cell rich parafollicular domain engaging in cell-cell interactions that differ depending on their stage and tissue residency. The presence of local inflammation results in changes in NK cell interactions, abundance, and localization. This study provides the first comprehensive atlas of human NK cell development in secondary lymphoid tissue.
