Epstein-Barr virus-induced molecule 1 ligand chemokine is expressed by dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues and strongly attracts naive T cells and activated B cells

• Published in: The Journal of experimental medicine Vol. 188; no. 1; pp. 181 - 191
• Main Authors: Ngo, V N, Tang, H L, Cyster, J G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The Rockefeller University Press 06.07.1998
• Subjects: Animals; B-Lymphocytes - metabolism; Calcium - metabolism; Cell Movement - physiology; Chemokine CCL19; Chemokines, CC - physiology; Chemotaxis - physiology; Dendritic Cells - metabolism; Flow Cytometry; Gene Expression Regulation - genetics; Lymph Nodes - cytology; Mice; Peyer's Patches - cytology; Receptors, CCR7; Receptors, Cell Surface - genetics; Receptors, Chemokine; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Sequence Alignment; Spleen - cytology; T-Lymphocytes - metabolism; Transfection - genetics
• ISSN: 0022-1007; 1540-9538
• DOI: 10.1084/jem.188.1.181

Movement of T and B lymphocytes through secondary lymphoid tissues is likely to involve multiple cues that help the cells navigate to appropriate compartments. Epstein-Barr virus- induced molecule 1 (EBI-1) ligand chemokine (ELC/MIP3beta) is expressed constitutively within lymphoid tissues and may act as such a guidance cue. Here, we have isolated mouse ELC and characterized its expression pattern and chemotactic properties. ELC is expressed constitutively in dendritic cells within the T cell zone of secondary lymphoid tissues. Recombinant ELC was strongly chemotactic for naive (L-selectinhi) CD4 T cells and for CD8 T cells and weakly attractive for resting B cells and memory (L-selectinlo) CD4 T cells. After activation through the B cell receptor, the chemotactic response of B cells was enhanced. Like its human counterpart, murine ELC stimulated cells transfected with EBI-1/CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7). Our findings suggest a central role for ELC in promoting encounters between recirculating T cells and dendritic cells and in the migration of activated B cells into the T zone of secondary lymphoid tissues.