Speakers

Fibroblastic reticular cells play a pivotal role in initiating adaptive immune responses, in part by compartmentalizing B cell and T cell zones within lymphoid organs. We have previously used genetic models, flow cytometric, histological and transcriptomic approaches to show that B cell zone fibroblastic reticular cells (BRCs) steer efficient humoral immunity by orchestrating B cell access to antigen and T cell help. Not only do BRCs steer lymphocyte activation through the provision of niche factors, BRC molecular identity is sustained through maturation factors provided by locally interacting leukocytes, positively reinforcing the spatial-temporal choreography of lymphocyte priming within defined niches. Given the pivotal role for BRCs in steering immune responses in lymphoid organs, we have broadened our view of fibroblast-mediated immunity, looking at interactions in the inflamed central nervous system. Our studies indicate that fibroblasts coordinate various stages of immunity, from initial priming in lymphoid organs to memory surveillance of inflamed tissues.