Abstract
The eye is protected by the ocular immunosurveillance system. We show that tear duct-associated lymphoid tissue (TALT) is located in the mouse lacrimal sac and shares immunological characteristics with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs), including the presence of M cells and immunocompetent cells for antigen uptake and subsequent generation of mucosal immune responses against ocularly encountered antigens and bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Initiation of TALT genesis began postnatally; it occurred even in germ-free conditions and was independent of signaling through organogenesis regulators, including inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation 2, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gammat, lymphotoxin (LT) alpha1beta2-LTbetaR, and lymphoid chemokines (CCL19, CCL21, and CXCL13). Thus, TALT shares immunological features with MALT but has a distinct tissue genesis mechanism and plays a key role in ocular immunity.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Epithelium / immunology
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Epithelium / ultrastructure
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Epitopes / immunology
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Immunity / immunology*
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Immunization
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Immunoglobulin A / immunology
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Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 2 / metabolism
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Lacrimal Apparatus / embryology*
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Lacrimal Apparatus / immunology*
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Lacrimal Apparatus / microbiology
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Lacrimal Apparatus / ultrastructure
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Lymphoid Tissue / embryology*
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Lymphoid Tissue / immunology*
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Lymphoid Tissue / microbiology
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Lymphoid Tissue / ultrastructure
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Lymphotoxin alpha1, beta2 Heterotrimer / metabolism
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Mice
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Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3
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Organogenesis / immunology*
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Receptors, Retinoic Acid / metabolism
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Receptors, Thyroid Hormone / metabolism
Substances
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Epitopes
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Idb2 protein, mouse
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Immunoglobulin A
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Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 2
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Lymphotoxin alpha1, beta2 Heterotrimer
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Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3
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Receptors, Retinoic Acid
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Receptors, Thyroid Hormone
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Rorc protein, mouse