B cell-derived vascular endothelial growth factor A promotes lymphangiogenesis and high endothelial venule expansion in lymph nodes

J Immunol. 2010 May 1;184(9):4819-26. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0903063. Epub 2010 Mar 22.

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a prominent growth factor for both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Recent studies have shown the importance of VEGF-A in enhancing the growth of lymphatic endothelial cells in lymph nodes (LNs) and the migration of dendritic cells into LNs. VEGF-A is produced in inflamed tissues and/or in draining LNs, where B cells are a possible source of this growth factor. To study the effect of B cell-derived VEGF-A, we created transgenic mice (CD19(Cre)/hVEGF-A(fl)) that express human VEGF-A specifically in B cells. We found that the human VEGF-A produced by B cells not only induced lymphangiogenesis in LNs, but also induced the expansion of LNs and the development of high endothelial venules. Contrary to our expectation, we observed a significant decrease in the Ag-specific Ab production postimmunization with OVA and in the proinflammatory cytokine production postinoculation with LPS in these mice. Our findings suggest immunomodulatory effects of VEGF-A: B cell-derived VEGF-A promotes both lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis within LNs, but then suppresses certain aspects of the ensuing immune responses.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / genetics
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / genetics
  • Antigens, CD19 / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, CD19 / genetics
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Down-Regulation / immunology
  • Endothelium, Lymphatic / immunology*
  • Endothelium, Lymphatic / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Lymphatic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / genetics
  • Inflammation Mediators / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology*
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphangiogenesis / genetics
  • Lymphangiogenesis / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Ovalbumin / administration & dosage
  • Ovalbumin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • Spleen / pathology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / biosynthesis
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / physiology*
  • Venules / immunology*
  • Venules / metabolism
  • Venules / pathology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD19
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Ovalbumin