2001/10/01 by Eric Kaldjian, J. Elizabeth Gretz, Arthur O. Anderson +2 · 186 citations
Medicine · Immunology and Microbiology · Chemistry · Neuroscience · #Cell Adhesion Molecules Research #T-cell and B-cell Immunology #Immunotherapy and Immune Responses #Reticular connective tissue #Reticular cell #Basement membrane #Reticular fiber #Extracellular matrix #Cell biology #Cortex (anatomy) #Chemistry #Anatomy #Biology #Pathology #Biophysics #Neuroscience #Immunology #Medicine
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/intimm/13.10.1243
published in International Immunology 13(10), 1243-1253 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 2001/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/07
Naive T cells encounter antigen-presenting cells within the cortex of lymph nodes to initiate primary immune responses. Within this T cell cortex is the reticular network (RN)--a system of collagen fibers and extracellular matrix (ECM) wrapped by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC). We have investigated the distribution of various molecules, including ECM proteins and proteoglycans, in the T cell cortex of both human and rodent lymph node. We confirm and extend reports of matrix elements in the RN. In addition, we find that staining for the laminin-alpha3 chain and for tenascin reveals a 'hollow' reticular pattern, consistent with localization to the basement membrane-like covering of reticular fibers. In contrast, keratan sulfate is observed in a fine linear pattern within the RN, suggesting it is localized to the core of the fibers. Staining with the marker ER-TR7 indicates that FRC cover all identifiable ECM surfaces of the T cell cortex. Based on these findings and previous reports, we conclude that cortical lymphocytes migrate within a 'labyrinthine cavity' free of fibrillar ECM, distinguishing the T cell cortex from other loose connective tissues, and that the FRC lining of the cavity constitutes an epithelium-like boundary. We propose that this spatial organization facilitates ameboid leukocyte crawling along preformed paths of least resistance and that the basement membrane-like ECM of the FRC may facilitate fluid transport within the RN by limiting leakage from the fiber.