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Establishment and characterization of mouse lymph node fibrosis models
1Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed two new mouse models for studying lymph node (LN) fibrosis. These models, induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), help investigate fibrosis mechanisms and immune changes in LNs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Lymph node (LN) fibrosis is linked to various diseases like HIV, obesity, and cancer.
- Dysfunctional fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) disrupt LN structure and immune function.
- Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a critical profibrotic cytokine, but suitable models for LN fibrosis are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize reliable mouse models for inducing lymph node fibrosis.
- To investigate the impact of induced fibrosis on LN architecture and immune cell populations.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for fibrotic lymph nodes.
Main Methods:
- Four methods were compared: footpad injection, lymphatic vessel ligation, inguinal subcutaneous injection, and intra-LN injection of TGF-β1.
- Assessment involved histological analysis, transcriptomic profiling, and flow cytometry.
- Safety evaluations were conducted to monitor organ damage.
Main Results:
- Inguinal subcutaneous and intra-LN TGF-β1 injections effectively induced LN fibrosis without systemic toxicity.
- Intra-LN injection led to fibrosis in both cortical and medullary LN regions.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed altered fibrosis-related genes and TGF-β1 signaling pathways.
- Fibrotic LNs showed increased macrophages, decreased CD8+ T cells, and partial improvement with collagen cross-linking inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Two novel mouse models of TGF-β1-induced LN fibrosis were successfully established.
- These models are valuable for studying LN fibrosis mechanisms and immune regulation.
- The models may aid in developing therapeutic strategies for fibrotic conditions affecting lymph nodes.
