Fibroblastic reticular cells: organization and regulation of the T lymphocyte life cycle
- PMID: 25663676
- PMCID: PMC4324549
- DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402520
Fibroblastic reticular cells: organization and regulation of the T lymphocyte life cycle
Abstract
The connective tissue of any organ in the body is generally referred to as stroma. This complex network is commonly composed of leukocytes, extracellular matrix components, mesenchymal cells, and a collection of nerves, blood, and lymphoid vessels. Once viewed primarily as a structural entity, stromal cells of mesenchymal origin are now being intensely examined for their ability to directly regulate various components of immune cell function. There is particular interest in the ability of stromal cells to influence the homeostasis, activation, and proliferation of T lymphocytes. One example of this regulation occurs in the lymph node, where fibroblastic reticular cells support the maintenance of naive T cells, induce Ag-specific tolerance, and restrict the expansion of newly activated T cells. In an effort to highlight the varied immunoregulatory properties of fibroblastic reticular cells, we reviewed the most recent advances in this field and provide some insights into potential future directions.
Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors have no competing financial interest or conflicts.
Figures
 
              
              
              
              
                
                
                References
- 
    - Kyewski B, Klein L. A central role for central tolerance. Annu Rev Immunol. 2006:571–606. - PubMed
 
- 
    - von Andrian UH, Mempel TR. Homing and cellular traffic in lymph nodes. Nat Rev Immunol. 2003;3:867–878. - PubMed
 
- 
    - Turley SJ, Fletcher AL, Elpek KG. The stromal and haematopoietic antigen-presenting cells that reside in secondary lymphoid organs. Nat Rev Immunol. 2010;10:813–825. - PubMed
 
Publication types
MeSH terms
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
- Full Text Sources
- Other Literature Sources
 
        