Transgenic expression of lymphotoxin restores lymph nodes to lymphotoxin-alpha-deficient mice.

摘要: Lymphotoxin-alpha (LT alpha) has recently been demonstrated to be important in the development of lymph nodes (LN), Peyer's patches, and splenic organization, including germinal centers. To elucidate role LT alpha lymphoid organogenesis plasticity process, we examined alpha-/- mice which an transgene under control rat insulin promoter (RIPLT) is expressed pancreas, kidney, skin. The restored LN mice. reconstituted RIPLT.LT had center-like peanut agglutinin-positive regions, but lacked follicular dendritic cells. Although did not restore patches or architecture, it ability spleen form centers cell networks. Lymphocytes isolated from showed normal proliferative responses T B mitogens were defective their response T-dependent Ag, a decreased number interdigitating cells was apparent LN. Expression RIPLT deficient beta reconstitute LN, suggesting for mechanisms that These data are first demonstrate reconstitution show process restoration amenable manipulation with ectopic lymphotoxin.