CD169(+) macrophages present lipid antigens to mediate early activation of iNKT cells in lymph nodes.
Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) are involved in the host defense against microbial infection. Although it is known that iNKT cells recognize glycolipids presented by CD1d, how and where they encounter antigen in vivo remains unclear. Here we used multiphoton microscopy to visualize the dynamics and activation of iNKT cells in lymph nodes. After antigen administration, iNKT cells became confined in a CD1d-dependent manner in close proximity to subcapsular sinus CD169(+) macrophages. These macrophages retained, internalized and presented lipid antigen and were required for iNKT cell activation, cytokine production and population expansion. Thus, CD169(+) macrophages can act as true antigen-presenting cells controlling early iNKT cell activation and favoring the fast initiation of immune responses.
Lymphocyte Interaction Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, London, UK.
Patricia
P
Barral
Paolo
P
Polzella
Andreas
A
Bruckbauer
Nico
N
van Rooijen
Gurdyal S
GS
Besra
Vincenzo
V
Cerundolo
Facundo D
FD
Batista
D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology*; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002469:Cell Separation; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D036641:Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D063267:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 1
D000941:Antigens; D006017:Glycolipids; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D063267:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 1; C571167:Siglec1 protein, mouse