Stromal networking: cellular connections in the germinal centre.
Secondary lymphoid organs are organized into distinct zones, governed by different types of mesenchymal stromal cells. These stromal cell subsets are critical for the generation of protective humoral immunity because they direct the migration of, and interaction between, multiple immune cell types to form the germinal centre. The germinal centre response generates long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells which can provide long-term protection against re-infection. Stromal cell subsets mediate this response through control of immune cell trafficking, activation, localization and antigen access within the secondary lymphoid organ. Further, distinct populations of stromal cells underpin the delicate spatial organization of immune cells within the germinal centre. Because of this, the interactions between immune cells and stromal cells in secondary lymphoid organs are fundamental to the germinal centre response. Herein we review how this unique relationship leads to effective germinal centre responses.
Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom.
Alice E
AE
Denton
Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, United Kingdom. Electronic address: michelle.linterman@babraham.ac.uk.
Michelle A
MA
Linterman
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000276:immunology*; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D008297:Male; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
D000941:Antigens