Lymph Node Stromal Cell Browser

Lymph node stromal cells (LNSC)s are an understudied and untapped source of immunomodulatory control. LNSCs are comprised of diverse populations of fibroblasts and endothelial cells. LNSCs coordinate lymphocyte entry into the lymph node (LN), facilitate lymphocyte trafficking into distinct LN niches, regulate lymphocyte survival, and promote LN expansion. The goal of this program is to investigate how viral and antigen acquisition by LNSCs shape immunity and how LNSCs can be manipulated by pathogens and vaccines to guide immune outcomes. This program is composed of three projects that will investigate distinct aspects of LNSC biology along with three supporting cores.

Projects

• Define protective and pathogenic roles of LNSCs during viral infection
  Thomas Morrison, PhD Publications Atlases
  Project 1 will define how viral targeting of distinct LNSCs regulates viral dissemination, LN organization and inflammation, and development of adaptive immunity

• Identify mechanisms of vaccine antigen localization and retention by LNSCs that drive and enhance cellular and humoral immunity
  Beth Tamburini, PhD Publications Atlases
  Project 2 will define mechanisms of vaccine antigen acquisition and retention by different LNSCs

• Cell and molecular mechanisms of antigen archiving by lymphatic endothelial cells
  Jay Hesselberth, PhD Publications Atlases
  Project 3 will define cellular and molecular mechanisms promoting stable retention of protein and RNA in LECs

Cores

• Mouse transgenics and tissue characterization
  Jennifer Matsuda, PhD Publications
  Core B will generate novel genetic mouse models and develop a tissue and cell repository

• Molecular technologies and informatics
  Jay Hesselberth, PhD Ryan Sheridan, PhD Publications Atlases
  Core C will develop and apply new molecular tools and bioinformatic approaches to probe LNSC and immune cell biology