Cortex of lymph node
Cortex nodi lymphoidei
- Related terms: Cortex
Definition
The cortex of a lymph node is a critical region where immune responses are initiated. It is primarily composed of lymphoid tissue that includes densely packed lymphocytes, predominantly B cells, organized into structures known as follicles. These follicles can develop germinal centers during an immune response, where B cell proliferation, differentiation, and somatic hypermutation occur.
The cortex is also characterized by a network of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) and extracellular matrix components, which form a reticular network that supports the migration and interaction of immune cells. This network facilitates the movement of naive T cells and antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, enabling the initiation of adaptive immune responses.[1-3]
High endothelial venules (HEVs) are present in the cortex, allowing the entry of circulating lymphocytes into the lymph node. The cortex is distinct from the paracortex, which primarily contains T cells, and the medulla, which contains medullary cords and sinuses.[4-6]
References
1.Spatial and Molecular Organization of Lymph Node T Cell Cortex: A Labyrinthine Cavity Bounded by an Epithelium-Like Monolayer of Fibroblastic Reticular Cells Anchored to Basement Membrane-Like Extracellular Matrix.Kaldjian EP, Gretz JE, Anderson AO, Shi Y, Shaw S.International Immunology. 2001;13(10):1243-53. doi:10.1093/intimm/13.10.1243.
2.Cords, Channels, Corridors and Conduits: Critical Architectural Elements Facilitating Cell Interactions in the Lymph Node Cortex.Gretz JE, Anderson AO, Shaw S.Immunological Reviews. 1997;156:11-24. doi:10.1111/j.1600-065x.1997.tb00955.x.Leading Journal
3.A Novel Reticular Stromal Structure in Lymph Node Cortex: An Immuno-Platform for Interactions Among Dendritic Cells, T Cells and B Cells.Katakai T, Hara T, Lee JH, et al.International Immunology. 2004;16(8):1133-42. doi:10.1093/intimm/dxh113.
4.Structure and Function of Rat Lymph Nodes.Ohtani O, Ohtani Y.Archives of Histology and Cytology. 2008;71(2):69-76. doi:10.1679/aohc.71.69.
5.Normal Structure, Function, and Histology of Lymph Nodes.Willard-Mack CL.Toxicologic Pathology. 2006;34(5):409-24. doi:10.1080/01926230600867727.
6.Compartmentalized Multicellular Crosstalk in Lymph Nodes Coordinates the Generation of Potent Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses.Poirot J, Medvedovic J, Trichot C, Soumelis V.European Journal of Immunology. 2021;51(12):3146-3160. doi:10.1002/eji.202048977.
