Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Generation and Labeling of Murine Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells with Qdot Nanocrystals for Tracking Studies
07:34

Generation and Labeling of Murine Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells with Qdot Nanocrystals for Tracking Studies

Published on: June 2, 2011

Follicular dendritic cells in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

S Petrasch1, G Brittinger, H H Wacker

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany.

Leukemia & Lymphoma
|September 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) form networks that support B-lymphocytes and immune responses. In HIV infection, FDC networks initially expand then are destroyed, impacting germinal center involution.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are specialized cells found in secondary lymphoid tissues, forming a network that interacts with B-lymphocytes.
  • FDC express various surface molecules, including CD71, CD20, CD14, CD40, and complement receptors, crucial for immune complex trapping and B-cell interactions.
  • These cells play a significant role in both normal immune responses and the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and functional characteristics of follicular dendritic cells (FDC).
  • To investigate the role of FDC in B-cell activation, survival, and lymphoma cell adhesion.
  • To examine the dynamic changes in FDC networks during HIV infection.

Main Methods:

  • In situ detection using ultrastructural analysis and anti-FDC reagents.
  • Immunocytochemistry and autoradiography on neoplastic B-cell suspensions.
  • In vitro studies of FDC-lymphocyte interactions and B-cell activation.

Main Results:

  • FDC form extensive networks in B-cell regions, trapping immune complexes and expressing key surface markers.
  • Adhesion between FDC and neoplastic lymphocytes involves LFA-1/ICAM-1 and VLA-4/VCAM-1 pathways, with potential detachment upon molecule loss.
  • FDC activate resting B-cells via CD40 and cell-surface immunoglobulin, promoting survival and continued stimulation of lymphoma cells.
  • HIV infection initially causes FDC network hyperplasia, followed by destruction and germinal center involution in later stages.

Conclusions:

  • FDC are critical for maintaining B-cell populations and immune memory through immune complex retention and B-cell activation.
  • Alterations in FDC-lymphocyte adhesion molecules may contribute to lymphoma cell dissemination.
  • FDC network dynamics are significantly altered during HIV infection, correlating with disease progression.

More Related Videos

Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting for Purification of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells from the Mouse Bone Marrow08:01

Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting for Purification of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells from the Mouse Bone Marrow

Published on: November 4, 2016

Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper (cTfh) Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry07:39

Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper (cTfh) Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues01:18

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Primary Lymphoid Organs01:16

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...