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High endothelial cells of postcapillary venules express the scavenger receptor in human peripheral lymph nodes
1Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Gothenburg University, Sweden.
Abstract:
The macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) is a multipotent receptor that mediates uptake of macromolecules with clustered negative charges, such as endotoxins and oxidized proteins and lipoproteins. It may also serve as an adhesion molecule for monocytes and macrophages. We have analysed MSR expression in human peripheral lymph nodes and show, by reverse transcription-PCR, that the type I isoform of MSR is abundantly expressed in this tissue. With the use of a new set of isoform-specific peptide antibodies, both isoforms of MSR were detected in the cuboidal endothelium of high-endothelial venules (HEV). MSR antibodies also stained macrophages and follicular dendritic cells of germinal centres. These data indicate that the MSR gene is expressed in HEV endothelium in vivo. It is suggested that MSR expression may be important for antigen uptake and leucocyte adhesion to HEV in the lymph node.
Insights
Macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) is found in lymph nodes, particularly on high-endothelial venule (HEV) cells. This expression may be crucial for antigen uptake and immune cell adhesion in the lymph node.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) is a receptor involved in the uptake of negatively charged macromolecules like endotoxins and oxidized lipids.
- MSR may also function as an adhesion molecule for monocytes and macrophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of MSR isoforms in human peripheral lymph nodes.
- To determine the role of MSR in high-endothelial venules (HEV) and germinal centers.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to analyze MSR expression in human lymph nodes.
- Isoform-specific peptide antibodies were employed to detect MSR isoforms in tissue sections.
Main Results:
- The type I isoform of MSR was found to be abundantly expressed in human peripheral lymph nodes.
- Both MSR isoforms were detected in the endothelium of high-endothelial venules (HEV).
- MSR was also observed on macrophages and follicular dendritic cells within germinal centers.
Conclusions:
- The MSR gene is expressed in the endothelium of HEV in vivo.
- MSR expression in lymph nodes may play a significant role in antigen uptake and leukocyte adhesion to HEV.