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Updated: Oct 23, 2026
Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
Published on: August 19, 2014
Sinus-lining cells of the lymph nodes recognized as a dendritic cell type by the new monoclonal antibody Ki-M9
H H Wacker1, S O Frahm, H J Heidebrecht
1Institute of Pathology, German Association of Pathologists, University Kiel, Germany.
Insights
A new antibody, Ki-M9, helps identify sinus-lining cells (SLCs) in lymph nodes. These cells have dendritic features and may play a role in antigen binding.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Sinus-lining cells (SLCs) in lymph nodes are understudied due to identification challenges.
- Understanding SLCs is crucial for characterizing lymph node immunobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for recognizing and characterizing sinus-lining cells (SLCs) in human lymph nodes.
- To investigate the potential immunobiological functions of SLCs.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a novel monoclonal antibody (MAb), Ki-M9, for SLC visualization.
- Utilized light and electron microscopy for detailed morphological analysis.
- Employed immunoprecipitation to identify the target antigen of Ki-M9.
Main Results:
- Ki-M9 specifically recognizes a 70-kd surface membrane protein on SLCs.
- SLCs exhibit dendritic morphology, lack phagosomes, and associate with type IV collagen.
- Mild reactivity was observed on follicular dendritic reticulum cells in secondary lymphoid follicles.
Conclusions:
- The monoclonal antibody Ki-M9 provides a reliable tool for identifying human lymph node SLCs.
- SLCs possess unique morphological characteristics suggesting a role in immune surveillance.
- Further investigation into the antigen-binding capabilities of SLCs is warranted.
Abstract:
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.
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