Stem cells on patrol.
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) exist in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood. In this issue, Massberg et al. (2007) report that HSCs also travel through the lymphatic system. Furthermore, migration of HSCs--which express Toll-like receptors--allows the recognition of pathogenic molecules in peripheral tissues thereby promoting the local generation of innate immune cells at the site of infection.
Welner
Robert S
RS
Immunobiology and Cancer Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Kincade
Paul W
PW
D000818:Animals; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000378:metabolism
D051193:Toll-Like Receptors