Multitier mechanics control stromal adaptations in the swelling lymph node.

Publication

Multitier mechanics control stromal adaptations in the swelling lymph node.

Journal Paper/Review - Jul 11, 2022

Assen Frank P, Abe Jun, Hons Miroslav, Hauschild Robert, Shamipour Shayan, Kaufmann Walter A, Costanzo Tommaso, Krens Gabriel, Brown Markus, Ludewig Burkhard, Hippenmeyer Simon, Heisenberg Carl-Philipp, Weninger Wolfgang, Hannezo Edouard, Luther Sanjiv A, Stein Jens V, Sixt Michael

Citation

Assen F, Abe J, Hons M, Hauschild R, Shamipour S, Kaufmann W, Costanzo T, Krens G, Brown M, Ludewig B, Hippenmeyer S, Heisenberg C, Weninger W, Hannezo E, Luther S, Stein J, Sixt M. Multitier mechanics control stromal adaptations in the swelling lymph node. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:1246-1255.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Nat Immunol 2022; 23

Publication Date

Jul 11, 2022

Issn Electronic

1529-2916

Pages

1246-1255

Brief description/objective

Lymph nodes (LNs) comprise two main structural elements: fibroblastic reticular cells that form dedicated niches for immune cell interaction and capsular fibroblasts that build a shell around the organ. Immunological challenge causes LNs to increase more than tenfold in size within a few days. Here, we characterized the biomechanics of LN swelling on the cellular and organ scale. We identified lymphocyte trapping by influx and proliferation as drivers of an outward pressure force, causing fibroblastic reticular cells of the T-zone (TRCs) and their associated conduits to stretch. After an initial phase of relaxation, TRCs sensed the resulting strain through cell matrix adhesions, which coordinated local growth and remodeling of the stromal network. While the expanded TRC network readopted its typical configuration, a massive fibrotic reaction of the organ capsule set in and countered further organ expansion. Thus, different fibroblast populations mechanically control LN swelling in a multitier fashion.