Form follows function: lymphoid tissue microarchitecture in antimicrobial immune defence

Nat Rev Immunol. 2008 Oct;8(10):764-75. doi: 10.1038/nri2414.

Abstract

Secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) are tissues that facilitate the induction of adaptive immune responses. These organs capture pathogens to limit their spread throughout the body, bring antigen-presenting cells into productive contact with their cognate lymphocytes and provide niches for the differentiation of immune effector cells. Therefore, the microanatomy of SLOs defines the ability of an organism to respond to pathogens. SLO microarchitecture is, at the same time, extremely adaptable to environmental changes. In this Review, we discuss recent insights into the function and plasticity of the SLO microenvironment with regards to antimicrobial immune defence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / metabolism
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infections / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / anatomy & histology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Lymphoid Tissue / anatomy & histology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology*
  • Lymphoid Tissue / metabolism
  • Peyer's Patches / anatomy & histology
  • Peyer's Patches / immunology*
  • Peyer's Patches / metabolism
  • Spleen / anatomy & histology
  • Spleen / immunology*
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism