The Follicular Dendritic Cell Restricted Epitope, FDC-M2, is Complement C4; Localization of Immune Complexes in Mouse Tissues

We have identified the murine follicular dendritic cell (FDC) marker, FDC-M2, recognized by monoclonal antibody mAb209, as complement component C4. Consistent with this, FDC-M2 was detectable at sites of immune complex-mediated inflammatory disease. Analysis of FDC-M2 distribution in complement-deficient mice highlighted the differences in immune complex clearance between these mice, andshowed that a population of uncharacterized FDC-M2+ reticular and perivascular cells in the spleen, distinct from FDC, are also involved in immune complex capture and possibly retention. These results demonstrate that mAb209, in addition to its role as an FDC marker, is a valuable reagent for the analysis of complement deposition in vivo.