A novel molecular interaction for the adhesion of follicular CD4 T cells to follicular DC

Eur J Immunol. 2009 Mar;39(3):695-703. doi: 10.1002/eji.200839116.

Abstract

Nectins and Nectin-like molecules (Necl) play a critical role in cell polarity within epithelia and in the nervous and reproductive systems. Recently, immune receptors specific for Nectins/Necl have been described. Since the expression and distribution of Nectins/Necl is often subverted during tumorigenesis, it has been suggested that the immune system may use these receptors to recognize and eliminate tumors. Here we describe a novel immunoreceptor, Washington University Cell Adhesion Molecule, which is expressed on human follicular B helper T cells (TFH) and binds a Nectin/Necl family member, the poliovirus receptor (PVR), under both static and flow conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PVR is abundantly expressed by follicular DC (FDC) within the germinal center. These results reveal a novel molecular interaction that mediates adhesion of TFH to FDC and provide the first evidence that immune receptors for Nectins/Necl may be involved the generation of T cell-dependent antibody responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion / immunology
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cell Polarity / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells, Follicular / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells, Follicular / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells, Follicular / metabolism
  • Germinal Center / immunology
  • Germinal Center / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Nectins
  • Palatine Tonsil / cytology
  • Palatine Tonsil / immunology*
  • Palatine Tonsil / metabolism
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology*
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • Receptors, Virus / immunology*
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Nectins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Virus
  • WUCAM protein, human
  • poliovirus receptor