Molecular networks orchestrating GALT development.
During evolution, the development of secondary lymphoid organs has evolved as a strategy to promote adaptive immune responses at sites of antigen sequestration. Mesenteric lymph nodes (LNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs) are localized in proximity to mucosal surfaces, and their development is coordinated by a series of temporally and spatially regulated molecular events involving the collaboration between hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and, for PPs, epithelial cells. Transcriptional control of cellular differentiation, production of cytokines as well as adhesion molecules are mandatory for organogenesis, recruitment of mature leukocytes, and lymphoid tissue organization. Similar to fetal and neonatal organogenesis, lymphoid tissue neoformation can occur in adult individuals at sites of chronic stimulation via cytokines and TNF-family member molecules. These molecules represent new therapeutic targets to manipulate the microenvironment during autoimmune diseases.
Finke
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Center for Biomedicine, Developmental Immunology, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences (DKBW), University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. Daniela.Finke@unibas.ch
Meier
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D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D038081:Organogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*