Fibroblastic reticular cells provide a supportive niche for lymph node-resident macrophages.

Publication

Fibroblastic reticular cells provide a supportive niche for lymph node-resident macrophages.

Journal Paper/Review - Jul 12, 2023

D'Rozario Joshua, Knoblich Konstantin, Lütge Mechthild, Pérez Shibayama Christian Ivan, Cheng Hung-Wei, Alexandre Yannick O, Roberts David J, Campos Joana, Dutton Emma E, Suliman Muath, Denton Alice E, Turley Shannon J, Boyd Richard L, Mueller Scott N, Ludewig Burkhard, Heng Tracy S P, Fletcher Anne L

Citation

D'Rozario J, Knoblich K, Lütge M, Pérez Shibayama C, Cheng H, Alexandre Y, Roberts D, Campos J, Dutton E, Suliman M, Denton A, Turley S, Boyd R, Mueller S, Ludewig B, Heng T, Fletcher A. Fibroblastic reticular cells provide a supportive niche for lymph node-resident macrophages. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250355.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Eur J Immunol 2023; 53

Publication Date

Jul 12, 2023

Issn Electronic

1521-4141

Pages

e2250355

Brief description/objective

The lymph node (LN) is home to resident macrophage populations that are essential for immune function and homeostasis, but key factors controlling this niche are undefined. Here, we show that fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are an essential component of the LN macrophage niche. Genetic ablation of FRCs caused rapid loss of macrophages and monocytes from LNs across two in vivo models. Macrophages co-localized with FRCs in human LNs, and murine single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that FRC subsets broadly expressed master macrophage regulator CSF1. Functional assays containing purified FRCs and monocytes showed that CSF1R signaling was sufficient to support macrophage development. These effects were conserved between mouse and human systems. These data indicate an important role for FRCs in maintaining the LN parenchymal macrophage niche.