Scientific Presentations Summer 2009 - Dana-Farber/Harvard ...

The Effect of PolyIC on Cultured Lymph Node Fibroblastic Reticular Cells
Pamela Cote
Mentor: Shannon J. Turley, PhD
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) in the lymph nodes (LNs) have been characterized
as a subset of lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) with a CD45-, gp38+, CD140a+,
CD31- surface phenotype. These cells have also been found to express MHC Class I
and II, costimulatory molecules (PD-L1, CD80) and adhesion molecules (VCAM-1,
ICAM-1). Expression of these molecules may allow LNSCs to regulate T cell responses
in the LNs and shape immunological tolerance. FRCs are important cells
because they also secrete survival factors for memory and resting T cells in the LNs
and they secrete chemokines which are necessary for the recruitment of Dendritic
cells (DCs) and naïve T cells to the LNs. It has been established that certain viruses
such as the Ebola virus and persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV) infect
FRCs in the LNs which may result in immunological dysfunction and chronic infection.
The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether exposure to PolyIC causes
LNSCs to acquire immunostimulatory potential using flow cytometery. This study
will allow us to determine if viral pathogens or viral products can cause FRCs to
undergo phenotypic changes. Therefore this will allow us to establish whether FRCs
continue to promote self tolerance induction or auto- reactivity of T cells during a
viral infection and to ultimately recognize what important implications these cells
have on immunological disorders.