Fibroblastic reticular cell subsets derived from human lymph node resembles bone marrow stromal cells and interfere with the expression of homing markers in autogous and allogeneic lymphocytes (IRC5P.624)

Abstract

Abstract The main functions of human bone marrow stromal cell are related to bone marrow homeostasis, even though immune functions already have been described to these cells. A similar cell type named fibroblastic reticular cell was described in animal models secondary lymphoid organs, which the main function was to favor and regulate the immune responses. Therefore, we have obtained informed consent from patients that undergone to organ removal surgery and requested a lymph node donation (Ethics committee approval number - 06592712.4.0000.0071). After treating the lymph node tissue, we were able to isolate stromal cells from several lymph nodes. These cells were cultured for 4 passages, than characterized; we observed that there were two subsets of stromal cells in lymph nodes, one that express gp38 (40%) and meet the already described fibroblastic reticular cell phenotype and another gp38 negative (60%). Either cell subset expressed CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90 or CD105 and do not expressed CD35, CD45, CD19, HLA-DR, CD14, CD34, CD31 or CD106. Both subsets were able to differentiate in adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteoblast, resembling human mesenchymal stem cell bone marrow derived. Regarding their immune function, we observed that either subset was able to interfere with proliferation and CCR6, CXCR4 expression of stimulated allogeneic and autologous T cells.