Transplantation of embryonic spleen tissue reveals a role for adult non-lymphoid cells in initiating lymphoid tissue organization.

ABSTRACT: In this report we describe a transplantation system where embryonic spleens are grafted into adult hosts. This model can be used to analyze the cellular and molecular requirements for the development and organization of splenic microenvironments. Whole embryonic day 15 (ED15) spleens, grafted under the kidney capsule of adult mice, were colonized by host-derived lymphocytes and DC and developed normal splenic architecture. Grafts were also able to form germinal centers in response to T-dependent antigen. Using this system we demonstrated that adult host-derived lymphotoxin (LT) alpha was sufficient for the development of ED15 LT alpha(-/-) grafts. Grafting of ED15 LT alpha(-/-) spleens into RAG(-/-) hosts followed by transfer of LT alpha(-/-) splenocytes revealed no requirement for lymphoc

SUBMITTER: Glanville SH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149129 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature