Attrition of T Cell Zone Fibroblastic Reticular Cell Number and Function in Aged Spleens.

ABSTRACT: Aging has a profound impact on multiple facets of the immune system, culminating in aberrant functionality. The architectural disorganization of splenic white pulp is a hallmark of the aging spleen, yet the factors underlying these structural changes are unclear. Fibroblastic reticular cells comprise one stromal cell subset in the spleen that is important for maintenance of architectural organization, yet it remains to be determined how aging impacts these cells. In this study, we sought to determine how aging impacts splenic T cell zone reticular cell (TRC) numbers, morphology, and function. Using a mouse model of aging, we found that aged naive spleens have fewer TRCs than young spleens. This reduction in TRC number correlated with reduced CCL19 and CCL21 concentrations in aged spleens,

SUBMITTER: Masters AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6350919 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature