Multitier Mechanics Control Stromal Adaptations in the Swelling Lymph Node

Overview

Journal Nat Immunol

Date 2022 Jul 11

PMID 35817845

Authors

Frank P Assen

Jun Abe

Miroslav Hons

Robert Hauschild

Shayan Shamipour

Walter A Kaufmann

Tommaso Costanzo

Gabriel Krens

Markus Brown

Burkhard Ludewig

Simon Hippenmeyer

Carl-Philipp Heisenberg

Wolfgang Weninger

Edouard Hannezo

Sanjiv A Luther

Jens V Stein

Michael Sixt

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Lymph nodes (LNs) comprise two main structural elements: fibroblastic reticular cells that form dedicated niches for immune cell interaction and capsular fibroblasts that build a shell around the organ. Immunological challenge causes LNs to increase more than tenfold in size within a few days. Here, we characterized the biomechanics of LN swelling on the cellular and organ scale. We identified lymphocyte trapping by influx and proliferation as drivers of an outward pressure force, causing fibroblastic reticular cells of the T-zone (TRCs) and their associated conduits to stretch. After an initial phase of relaxation, TRCs sensed the resulting strain through cell matrix adhesions, which coordinated local growth and remodeling of the stromal network. While the expanded TRC network readopted its typical configuration, a massive fibrotic reaction of the organ capsule set in and countered further organ expansion. Thus, different fibroblast populations mechanically control LN swelling in a multitier fashion.

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