Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
05:47

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells

Published on: August 19, 2014

Subcapsular encounter and complement-dependent transport of immune complexes by lymph node B cells

Tri Giang Phan1, Irina Grigorova, Takaharu Okada

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA.

Nature Immunology
|July 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages in lymph nodes rapidly deliver immune complexes to B cells, facilitating antigen capture and immune responses. This highlights a key pathway for B cell-antigen interaction in lymphoid tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Lymphoid Tissue Dynamics

Background:

  • The precise mechanisms governing B cell interactions with antigens within lymphoid tissues remain incompletely elucidated.
  • The transport pathways for immune complexes to follicular dendritic cells are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the initial events of B cell-antigen encounter in lymph nodes.
  • To clarify the role of macrophages and immune complex transport in initiating adaptive immunity.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time two-photon microscopy was employed to visualize dynamic cellular interactions in lymph nodes.
  • The study focused on the movement and capture of immune complexes by B cells and macrophages.

Main Results:

  • Immune complexes were rapidly transported via lymph to subcapsular sinus macrophages.
  • B cells captured immune complexes from macrophage extensions in a complement receptor-dependent manner.
  • Cognate B cells acquired antigen-containing immune complexes and migrated towards the T zone.

Conclusions:

  • Subcapsular sinus macrophages are critical sites for B cell engagement with immune complexes.
  • Intrafollicular B cell migration is essential for immune complex transport and cognate antigen recognition, advancing immune surveillance.

More Related Videos

Studying Organelle Dynamics in B Cells During Immune Synapse Formation15:39

Studying Organelle Dynamics in B Cells During Immune Synapse Formation

Published on: June 1, 2019

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy07:40

Visualizing Lymph Node Structure and Cellular Localization using Ex-Vivo Confocal Microscopy

Published on: August 9, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes01:23

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that cluster along the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions. Each node is divided into compartments by a capsule that extends trabeculae inward.
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System01:28

Functions of the Lymphatic and Immune System

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
The primary lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow and the thymus, serve as the maturation sites for lymphocytes. Secondary lymphoid organs, like the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, activate these lymphocytes and serve as...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Antigen Presenting Cells01:22

Antigen Presenting Cells

The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...