Mario Novkovic

Topological Small-World Organization of the Fibroblastic Reticular Cell Network Determines Lymph Node Functionality

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) form the cellular scaffold of lymph nodes (LNs) and establish distinct microenvironmental niches to provide key molecules that drive innate and adaptive immune responses and control immune regulatory processes. Here, we have used a graph theory-based systems biology approach to determine topological properties and robustness of the LN FRC network in mice. We found that the FRC network exhibits an imprinted small-world topology that is fully regenerated within 4 wk after complete FRC ablation. Moreover, in silico perturbation analysis and in vivo validation revealed that LNs can tolerate a loss of approximately 50% of their FRCs without substantial impairment of immune cell recruitment, intranodal T cell migration, and dendritic cell-mediated activation of antiviral CD8+ T cells. Overall, our study reveals the high topological robustness of the FRC network and the critical role of the network integrity for the activation of adaptive immune responses.

Alternative NF‐κB signaling regulates mTEC differentiation from podoplanin‐expressing presursors in the cortico‐medullary junction

The thymic epithelium forms specialized niches to enable thymocyte differentiation. While the common epithelial progenitor of medullary and cortical thymic epithelial cells (mTECs and cTECs) is well defined, early stages of mTEC lineage specification have remained elusive. Here, we utilized in vivo targeting of mTECs to resolve their differentiation pathways and to determine whether mTEC progenitors participate in thymocyte education. We found that mTECs descend from a lineage committed, podoplanin (PDPN)‐expressing progenitor located at the cortico‐medullary junction. PDPN+ junctional TECs (jTECs) represent a distinct TEC population that builds the thymic medulla, but only partially supports negative selection and thymocyte differentiation. Moreover, conditional gene targeting revealed that abrogation of alternative NF‐κB pathway signaling in the jTEC stage completely blocked mTEC development. Taken together, this study identifies jTECs as lineage‐committed mTEC progenitors and shows that NF‐κB‐dependent progression of jTECs to mTECs is critical to secure central tolerance.

Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Control Initiation of Lymph Node Organogenesis

Summary Lymph nodes (LNs) are strategically situated throughout the body at junctures of the blood vascular and lymphatic systems to direct immune responses against antigens draining from peripheral tissues. The current paradigm describes LN development as a programmed process that is governed through the interaction between mesenchymal lymphoid tissue organizer (LTo) cells and hematopoietic lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. Using cell‐type‐specific ablation of key molecules involved in lymphoid organogenesis, we found that initiation of LN development is dependent on LTi‐cell‐mediated activation of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and that engagement of mesenchymal stromal cells is a succeeding event. LEC activation was mediated mainly by signaling through receptor activator of NF‐&kgr;B (RANK) and the non‐canonical NF‐&kgr;B pathway and was steered by sphingosine‐1‐phosphate‐receptor‐dependent retention of LTi cells in the LN anlage. Finally, the finding that pharmacologically enforced interaction between LTi cells and LECs promotes ectopic LN formation underscores the central LTo function of LECs. Graphical Abstract Figure. No Caption available. HighlightsLT&bgr;R signals in mesenchymal LTo cells are not essential for LN organogenesisRANK‐mediated signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) drives LN developmentLECs control retention of LTi cells in embryonic LN anlagenEnforced LTi cell retention in lymphatics induces formation of ectopic LNs &NA; Lymph node (LN) formation is thought to rely mainly on interactions between mesenchymal lymphoid tissue organizer cells and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. Onder et al. now show that LN formation is governed by RANK‐dependent activation of lymphatic endothelial cells that control retention of lymphoid tissue inducer cells in embryonic LN anlagen.

Computational Approach to 3D Modeling of the Lymph Node Geometry

In this study we present a computational approach to the generation of the major geometric structures of an idealized murine lymph node (LN). In this generation, we consider the major compartments such as the subcapsular sinus, B cell follicles, trabecular and medullar sinuses, blood vessels and the T cell zone with a primary focus on the fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network. Confocal microscopy data of LN macroscopic structures and structural properties of the FRC network have been generated and utilized in the present model. The methodology sets a library of modules that can be used to assemble a solid geometric LN model and subsequently generate an adaptive mesh model capable of implementing transport phenomena. Overall, based on the use of high-resolution confocal microscopy and morphological analysis of cell 3D reconstructions, we have developed a computational model of the LN geometry, suitable for further investigation in studies of fluid transport and cell migration in this immunologically essential organ.

Data-driven modelling of the FRC network for studying the fluid flow in the conduit system

Abstract The human immune system is characterized by enormous cellular and anatomical complexity. Lymph nodes are key centers of immune reactivity, organized into distinct structural and functional modules including the T-cell zone, fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network and the conduit system. A thorough understanding of the modular organization is a prerequisite for lymphoid organ tissue-engineering. Due to the biological complexity of lymphoid organs, the development of mathematical models capable of elaborating the lymph node architecture and functional organization, has remained a major challenge in computational biology. Here, we present a computational method to model the geometry of the FRC network and fluid flow in the conduit system. It differs from the blood vascular network image-based reconstruction approaches as it develops the parameterized geometric model using the real statistics of the node degree and the edge length distributions. The FRC network model is then used to analyze the fluid flow through the underlying conduit system. A first observation is that the pressure gradient is approximately linear, which suggests homogeneity of the network. Furthermore, calculated permeability values ( ≈ 0.0033 μ m 2 ) show the generated network is isotropic, while investigating random variations of pipe radii (with a given mean and standard deviation) shows a significant effect on the permeability. This framework can now be further explored to systematically correlate fundamental characteristics of the FRC conduit system to more global material properties such as permeability.

Critical Issues in Modelling Lymph Node Physiology

In this study, we discuss critical issues in modelling the structure and function of lymph nodes (LNs), with emphasis on how LN physiology is related to its multi-scale structural organization. In addition to macroscopic domains such as B-cell follicles and the T cell zone, there are vascular networks which play a key role in the delivery of information to the inner parts of the LN, i.e., the conduit and blood microvascular networks. We propose object-oriented computational algorithms to model the 3D geometry of the fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) network and the microvasculature. Assuming that a conduit cylinder is densely packed with collagen fibers, the computational flow study predicted that the diffusion should be a dominating process in mass transport than convective flow. The geometry models are used to analyze the lymph flow properties through the conduit network in unperturbed- and damaged states of the LN. The analysis predicts that elimination of up to 60%–90% of edges is required to stop the lymph flux. This result suggests a high degree of functional robustness of the network.

CCL19-producing fibroblastic stromal cells restrain lung carcinoma growth by promoting local antitumor T-cell responses

Background A particular characteristic of non–small cell lung cancer is the composition of the tumor microenvironment with a very high proportion of fibroblastic stromal cells (FSCs). Objective Lapses in our basic knowledge of fibroblast phenotype and function in the tumor microenvironment make it difficult to define whether FSC subsets exist that exhibit either tumor‐promoting or tumor‐suppressive properties. Methods We used gene expression profiling of lung versus tumor FSCs from patients with non–small cell lung cancer. Moreover, CCL19‐expressing FSCs were studied in transgenic mouse models by using a lung cancer metastasis model. Results CCL19 mRNA expression in human tumor FSCs correlates with immune cell infiltration and intratumoral accumulation of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistic dissection in murine lung carcinoma models revealed that CCL19‐expressing FSCs form perivascular niches to promote accumulation of CD8+ T cells in the tumor. Targeted ablation of CCL19‐expressing tumor FSCs reduced immune cell recruitment and resulted in unleashed tumor growth. Conclusion These data suggest that a distinct population of CCL19‐producing FSCs fosters the development of an immune‐stimulating intratumoral niche for immune cells to control cancer growth. Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available.

Interleukin 7-expressing fibroblasts promote breast cancer growth through sustenance of tumor cell stemness

ABSTRACT The tumor microenvironment harbors cancer-associated fibroblasts that function as major modulators of cancer progression. Here, we assessed to which extent distinct cancer-associated fibroblast subsets impact mammary carcinoma growth and cancer cell stemness in an orthotopic murine model. We found that fibroblasts expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the interleukin 7 promoter occupied mainly the tumor margin where they physically interacted with tumor cells. Intratumoral ablation of interleukin 7-expressing fibroblasts impaired breast tumor growth and reduced the clonogenic potential of cancer cells. Moreover, cDNA expression profiling revealed a distinct oncogenic signature of interleukin 7-producing fibroblasts. In particular, Cxcl12 expression was strongly enhanced in interleukin 7-producing fibroblasts and cell type-specific genetic ablation and systemic pharmacological inhibition revealed that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis impacts breast tumor cell stemness. Elevated expression of CXCL12 and other stem cell factors in primary human breast cancer-associated fibroblasts indicates that certain fibroblast populations support tumor cell stemness and thereby promote breast cancer growth.

Graph Theory-Based Analysis of the Lymph Node Fibroblastic Reticular Cell Network

Secondary lymphoid organs have developed segregated niches that are able to initiate and maintain effective immune responses. Such global organization requires tight control of diverse cellular components, specifically those that regulate lymphocyte trafficking. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) form a densely interconnected network in lymph nodes and provide key factors necessary for T cell migration and retention, and foster subsequent interactions between T cells and dendritic cells. Development of integrative systems biology approaches has made it possible to elucidate this multilevel complexity of the immune system. Here, we present a graph theory-based analysis of the FRC network in murine lymph nodes, where generation of the network topology is performed using high-resolution confocal microscopy and 3D reconstruction. This approach facilitates the analysis of physical cell-to-cell connectivity, and estimation of topological robustness and global behavior of the network when it is subjected to perturbation in silico.

Fibroblastic reticular cells initiate immune responses in visceral adipose tissues and secure peritoneal immunity

MYD88 signaling in fibroblastic reticular cells drives the initiation of immune responses in fat-associated lymphoid clusters. Setting the stage for attack In classical secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs) such as lymph nodes, tonsils, and Peyer’s patches, it is well established that fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) play an integral role in the generation of immune responses. Nonclassical SLOs, including fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs), also play important roles in systemic immunity. However, the role of FRCs in FALCs has not been previously examined. Here, using Ccl19-driven cre to delete MYD88 in FALC-associated FRCs, Perez-Shibayama et al. report that FRCs in FALCs play both organizational and immunomodulatory roles. These studies add to the growing recognition of the importance of stromal cells in shaping immune organs and immune responses. Immune protection of the body cavities depends on the swift activation of innate and adaptive immune responses in nonclassical secondary lymphoid organs known as fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs). Compared with classical secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches, FALCs develop along distinct differentiation trajectories and display a reduced structural complexity. Although it is well established that fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are an integral component of the immune-stimulating infrastructure of classical secondary lymphoid organs, the role of FRCs in FALC-dependent peritoneal immunity remains unclear. Using FRC-specific gene targeting, we found that FRCs play an essential role in FALC-driven immune responses. Specifically, we report that initiation of peritoneal immunity was governed through FRC activation in a myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88)–dependent manner. FRC-specific ablation of MYD88 blocked recruitment of inflammatory monocytes into FALCs and subsequent CD4+ T cell–dependent B-cell activation and IgG class switching. Moreover, containment of Salmonella infection was compromised in mice lacking MYD88 expression in FRCs, indicating that FRCs in FALCs function as an initial checkpoint in the orchestration of protective immune responses in the peritoneal cavity.