Signpost for sentinel cells
Our group has discovered the molecular signpost that guides these cells in the direction of the nearest lymph node.
by
Monica Langfritz-Gütermann
Lymphatic vessels can be considered the pneumatic tubes of our immune system; the lymph nodes its control centres. Antibodies and killer cells, which are able to fight against pathogens invading our bodies, mature in these centres. It is through lymphatic vessels that information about these pathogens reaches the lymph nodes. An armada of sentinel cells, called dendritic cells, are decentrally positioned in tissues to take up pathogens. After uptake of the pathogen, the dendritic cells move into the lymphatic vessels and eventually trigger an alarm in the draining lymph node.