Role of T and NK cells and IL7/IL7r interactions during neonatal maturation of lymph nodes

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Sep 5;103(36):13457-62. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0604183103. Epub 2006 Aug 24.

Abstract

Lymph node (LN) development depends on prenatal interactions occurring between LN inducer and LN organizer cells. We have distinguished defects in LN formation due to failure in embryonic development (aly/aly) from defects in postnatal maturation (Il2rgamma(-/-)Rag2(-/-)). Both mutant strains form normal primordial LNs with differing fate. In aly/aly mice, the LN primordium dissipates irreversibly late in gestation; in contrast, Il2rgamma(-/-)Rag2(-/-) LN anlage persists for a week after birth but disperses subsequently, a process reversible by neonatal transfer of WT IL7r(+) TCR(+) T or natural killer (NK) cells, suggesting a role for IL7/IL7r interactions. Thus, we reveal a unique stage of postnatal LN development during which mature lymphocytes and IL7/IL7r interactions may play an important role.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Interleukin-7 / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / embryology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / genetics*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Transgenes

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Interleukin-7
  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins