Inflammation modulates lymph node biomechanics in a sex-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: Lymph nodes are highly specialized immune organs that orchestrate the adaptive immune response. In the lymph nodes, naïve B and T lymphocytes encounter cognate antigens, sparking their activation and response to foreign substances. Lymph nodes grow in response to an immune challenge, at least in part to accommodate increased numbers of infiltrating and proliferating B and T lymphocytes. This behavior is supported by a robust three-dimensional network of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibers and fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs). ECM fibers and FRCs work synergistically to alternate stretching and contractile forces between them allowing the lymph node to maintain structural integrity during rapid tissue reconstruction. These changes ultimately alter the material properties of the lymph node,

SUBMITTER: Ramirez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11888317 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature