Lymphatic constraint of germinal centers optimizes protective antibody responses.

ABSTRACT: Immunization strategies are central to pathogen control, where efficacy relies on antigen uptake, distribution, persistence, and inflammatory context. We recently demonstrated that dermal lymphatic capillaries regulate antigen presentation in lymph nodes (LN) by restraining fluid and virion transport following vaccinia virus (VACV) infection by skin scarification. Concurrently, a perifollicular, LN lymphangiogenic response encapsulates expanding B cell follicles. Given the important role of antigen transport and uptake on humoral immunity, we tested the hypothesis that lymphatic remodeling in the skin and LNs regulates germinal center (GC)-dependent antibody responses during infection. Using a model of lymphatic-specific VEGFR2 inhibition, we found that inhibiting viral-induced lymphatic r

SUBMITTER: Mudianto T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637544 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature