Publikation
B cell homeostasis and follicle confines are governed by fibroblastic reticular cells
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 24.08.2014
Cremasco Viviana, Carroll Michael C, Ludewig Burkhard, Wucherpfennig Kai, Harvey Christopher J, Cremasco Floriana, Chang Jonathan, Schildberg Frank A, Nieves-Bonilla Janice M, Cupovic Jovana, Onder Lucas, Woodruff Matthew C, Turley Shannon J
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Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are known to inhabit T cell-rich areas of lymphoid organs, where they function to facilitate interactions between T cells and dendritic cells. However, in vivo manipulation of FRCs has been limited by a dearth of genetic tools that target this lineage. Here, using a mouse model to conditionally ablate FRCs, we demonstrated their indispensable role in antiviral T cell responses. Unexpectedly, loss of FRCs also attenuated humoral immunity due to impaired B cell viability and follicular organization. Follicle-resident FRCs established a favorable niche for B lymphocytes via production of the cytokine BAFF. Thus, our study indicates that adaptive immunity requires an intact FRC network and identifies a subset of FRCs that control B cell homeostasis and follicle identity.