Ileitis-associated tertiary lymphoid organs arise at lymphatic valves and impede mesenteric lymph flow in response to tumor necrosis factor

Immunity. 2021 Dec 14;54(12):2795-2811.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.10.003. Epub 2021 Nov 16.

Abstract

Lymphangitis and the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) in the mesentery are features of Crohn's disease. Here, we examined the genesis of these TLOs and their impact on disease progression. Whole-mount and intravital imaging of the ileum and ileum-draining collecting lymphatic vessels (CLVs) draining to mesenteric lymph nodes from TNFΔARE mice, a model of ileitis, revealed TLO formation at valves of CLVs. TLOs obstructed cellular and molecular outflow from the gut and were sites of lymph leakage and backflow. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) neutralization begun at early stages of TLO formation restored lymph transport. However, robustly developed, chronic TLOs resisted regression and restoration of flow after TNF neutralization. TNF stimulation of cultured lymphatic endothelial cells reprogrammed responses to oscillatory shear stress, preventing the induction of valve-associated genes. Disrupted transport of immune cells, driven by loss of valve integrity and TLO formation, may contribute to the pathology of Crohn's disease.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; cytokine signaling; endothelium; inflammation; inflammatory bowel disease; lympho-organogenesis; lymphocyte migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Crohn Disease / immunology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endothelial Cells / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Ileitis
  • Ileum / immunology*
  • Lymph / metabolism*
  • Lymphangitis
  • Lymphatic Vessels / immunology*
  • Mesentery / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tertiary Lymphoid Structures / immunology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism*

Substances

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha