Sinus-lining cells of the lymph nodes recognized as a dendritic cell type by the new monoclonal antibody Ki-M9

In the immunobiological characterization of lymph node cells, sinus-lining cells (SLCs) have been given little attention mainly due to the difficulties in their recognition. Ki-M9 is a new monoclonal antibody (MAb) selected for its unique capability to visualize SLCs in human lymph nodes. The details were established by light and electron microscopy and immunoprecipitation of the corresponding biosynthetically labeled antigen. Ki-M9 recognizes a 70-kd protein localized on the surface membrane of SLCs. In the lymphoid tissue, a mild reactivity was exclusively encountered on follicular dendritic reticulum cells in the germinal centers of secondary lymphoid follicles. In other organs, some squamous epithelial and myoepithelial cells were recognized by this antibody. Immunomonitoring of SLCs on light and electron microscopic levels revealed their dendritic morphology, lack of phagosomes, and their close association with type IV collagen fibers. Considering the occurrence of typical dendritic SLCs on the front line of antigen flood, we propose that SLCs be investigated for a possible antigen-binding property.