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Extracellular matrix of secondary lymphoid organs impacts on B-cell fate and survival

  • Jian Song
  • , Zerina Lokmic
  • , Tim Lämmermann
  • , Julia Rolf
  • , Chuan Wu
  • , Xueli Zhang
  • , Rupert Hallmann
  • , Melanie Jane Hannocks
  • , Nathalie Horn
  • , Markus A. Ruegg
  • , Arnoud Sonnenberg
  • , Elisabeth Georges-Labouesse
  • , Thomas H. Winkler
  • , John F. Kearney
  • , Susanna Cardell
  • , Lydia Sorokin

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review

Abstract

We describe a unique extracellular matrix (ECM) niche in the spleen, the marginal zone (MZ), characterized by the basement membrane glycoproteins, laminin α5 and agrin, that promotes formation of a specialized population of MZ B lymphocytes that respond rapidly to blood-borne antigens. Mice with reduced laminin α5 expression show reduced MZ B cells and increased numbers of newly formed (NF) transitional B cells that migrate from the bone marrow, without changes in other immune or stromal cell compartments. Transient integrin α6β1-mediated interaction of NF B cells with laminin α5 in the MZ supports the MZ B-cell population, their long-term survival, and antibody response. Data suggest that the unique 3D structure and biochemical composition of the ECM of lymphoid organs impacts on immune cell fate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E2915-E2924
Number of pages10
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume110
Issue number31
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jul 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • B-cell development
  • Immunology

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