Mast cell–derived particles deliver peripheral signals to remote lymph nodes

CA Kunder, AL St. John, G Li, KW Leong… - Journal of Experimental …, 2009 - rupress.org
CA Kunder, AL St. John, G Li, KW Leong, B Berwin, HF Staats, SN Abraham
Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2009rupress.org
During infection, signals from the periphery are known to reach draining lymph nodes
(DLNs), but how these molecules, such as inflammatory cytokines, traverse the significant
distances involved without dilution or degradation remains unclear. We show that peripheral
mast cells, upon activation, release stable submicrometer heparin-based particles
containing tumor necrosis factor and other proteins. These complexes enter lymphatic
vessels and rapidly traffic to the DLNs. This physiological drug delivery system facilitates …
During infection, signals from the periphery are known to reach draining lymph nodes (DLNs), but how these molecules, such as inflammatory cytokines, traverse the significant distances involved without dilution or degradation remains unclear. We show that peripheral mast cells, upon activation, release stable submicrometer heparin-based particles containing tumor necrosis factor and other proteins. These complexes enter lymphatic vessels and rapidly traffic to the DLNs. This physiological drug delivery system facilitates communication between peripheral sites of inflammation and remote secondary lymphoid tissues.
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