Molecular interactions of FDCs with B cells in aging.
Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs), as accessory cells to B cells, promote germinal center (GC) development. Age-related defects in the role of FDCs are well documented in vivo. In old mice, FDCs bind fewer immune complexes (ICs) and produce few iccosomes for endocytosis by B cells, antigen processing, and presentation to T cells. We recently studied whether these defects are due to changes in the FDC microenvironment or to changes in FDCs and their surface molecules. In vitro evidence suggests that age-related defects in both B cell stimulation via the BCR and co-stimulation via CD21/CD21L are related to IC-trapping by FDCs in vivo-a defect which is repairable, at least, in vitro.
Szakal
Andras K
AK
Department of Anatomy, Immunology Group, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, P.O. Box 980709, Richmond 23298-0709, USA. aszakal@hsc.vcu.edu
Aydar
Yüksel
Y
Balogh
Peter
P
Tew
John G
JG
D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D020566:Dendritic Cells, Follicular / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D011971:Receptors, Immunologic