Single cell RNAseq of fibroblastic reticular cells from mesenteric and inguinal murine lymph nodes at different developmental stages
Lymph nodes (LNs) are essential hubs for the induction and regulation of immune responses. Immune activation, either systemic or local, is accompanied by the lymph node swelling response, which results in up to threefold expansion in volume. Increased immigration of immune cells via the blood vasculature causes the LN swelling response with retention of lymphocytes and myeloid cells in perivascular niches. The perivascular niche is supported by fibroblastic cells known as mural cells (vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and pericytes) and by perivascular reticular cells (PRCs) that connect the perivascular niche to the fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network. Here, we used high-resolution confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, single cell transcriptomics and cell fate mapping in mouse models to delineate VSMC and PRC phenotypes and differentiation during development in different LN entities.