Fibroblastic reticular cells in lymph nodes regulate the homeostasis of naive T cells

Interleukin 7 is essential for the survival of naive T lymphocytes. Despite its importance, its cellular source in the periphery remains poorly defined. Here we report a critical function for lymph node access in T cell homeostasis and identify T zone fibroblastic reticular cells in these organs as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature Immunology 2007-11, Vol.8 (11), p.1255-1265
Main Authors: Britschgi, Mirjam R, Cyster, Jason G, Hinz, Boris, Vogt, Tobias K, Link, Alexander, Favre, Stéphanie, Acha-Orbea, Hans, Luther, Sanjiv A
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Interleukin 7 is essential for the survival of naive T lymphocytes. Despite its importance, its cellular source in the periphery remains poorly defined. Here we report a critical function for lymph node access in T cell homeostasis and identify T zone fibroblastic reticular cells in these organs as the main source of interleukin 7. In vitro , T zone fibroblastic reticular cells were able to prevent the death of naive T lymphocytes but not of B lymphocytes by secreting interleukin 7 and the CCR7 ligand CCL19. Using gene-targeted mice, we demonstrate a nonredundant function for CCL19 in T cell homeostasis. Our data suggest that lymph nodes and T zone fibroblastic reticular cells have a key function in naive CD4 + and CD8 + T cell homeostasis by providing a limited reservoir of survival factors.
ISSN:1529-2908
1529-2916
1365-2567
DOI:10.1038/ni1513