Notch and lymphopoiesis: a view from the microenvironment.
The differentiation of B- and T-cells in primary lymphoid organs depends on, or is strongly influenced by, signals provided by stromal cells, extracellular matrix components as well as by direct contacts between differentiating lymphocytes and distinct environmental cells. Notch receptors and their ligands mediate intercellular contacts and are crucially important for the development of T- and B-cell lineages. Here we start by reviewing current knowledge on the expression patterns of Notch receptors and their ligands in primary lymphoid organs and the effects induced by their functional interactions. Then we shall attempt to discuss how those interactions may regulate not only lymphopoiesis per se but also morphogenesis and the functional compartmentalization of lymphopoietic organs during development.
Parreira
Leonor
L
Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal. lparrier@igc.gulbenkian.pt
Neves
Hélia
H
Simões
Sérgio
S
D000818:Animals; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000254:growth & development; D002450:Cell Communication; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D038041:Lymphopoiesis; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D018448:Models, Immunological; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D015398:Signal Transduction; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051880:Receptors, Notch