Fibroblastic reticular cells in lymph nodes regulate the homeostasis of naive T cells

A Link, TK Vogt, S Favre, MR Britschgi… - Nature …, 2007 - nature.com
A Link, TK Vogt, S Favre, MR Britschgi, H Acha-Orbea, B Hinz, JG Cyster, SA Luther
Nature immunology, 2007nature.com
Interleukin 7 is essential for the survival of naive T lymphocytes. Despite its importance, its
cellular source in the periphery remains poorly defined. Here we report a critical function for
lymph node access in T cell homeostasis and identify T zone fibroblastic reticular cells in
these organs as the main source of interleukin 7. In vitro, T zone fibroblastic reticular cells
were able to prevent the death of naive T lymphocytes but not of B lymphocytes by secreting
interleukin 7 and the CCR7 ligand CCL19. Using gene-targeted mice, we demonstrate a …
Abstract
Interleukin 7 is essential for the survival of naive T lymphocytes. Despite its importance, its cellular source in the periphery remains poorly defined. Here we report a critical function for lymph node access in T cell homeostasis and identify T zone fibroblastic reticular cells in these organs as the main source of interleukin 7. In vitro, T zone fibroblastic reticular cells were able to prevent the death of naive T lymphocytes but not of B lymphocytes by secreting interleukin 7 and the CCR7 ligand CCL19. Using gene-targeted mice, we demonstrate a nonredundant function for CCL19 in T cell homeostasis. Our data suggest that lymph nodes and T zone fibroblastic reticular cells have a key function in naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell homeostasis by providing a limited reservoir of survival factors.
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