Lymph node articles from across Nature Portfolio

This Review from Wolfgang Kastenmüller and colleagues highlights the heterogeneity that exists among lymph nodes at different anatomical locations. The authors consider the factors that contribute to lymph node heterogeneity and explain the relevance of this for the immune response, particularly in the contexts of vaccination and cancer.

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) represent the sites where micro-metastasis can first develop, however they are also important to mount effective anti-tumor immune responses. Here the authors describe the design of a flex-patch loaded with anti-PD-1 antibodies and immuno-adjuvant nanosheets, layered double hydroxide, to fuel anti-tumor immune response in the SLN for postsurgical breast cancer adjuvant therapy.

Beiging and thermogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT) is an important adaptive response to cold exposure, but how the brain senses cold and subsequently induces beiging remains unclear. Here, the authors show that sympathetic nerves stimulate lymph nodes to release IL-33, thereby mediating cold-induced beiging of WAT.

Circadian rhythms have been shown to influence immune responses, but it is unclear whether this influences responses to vaccines. Here the authors show that dendritic cells migrate in a circadian rhythm meaning that interactions with T cells are altered leading to differential vaccine responses.

Accumulation of inhaled carbon particulates in lung-draining lymph nodes with age impairs respiratory immunity.

Inhaled particulates from environmental pollutants accumulate in macrophages in lung-associated lymph nodes over years, compromising immune surveillance via direct effects on immune cell function and lymphoid architecture. These findings reveal the importance of improved air quality to preserve immune health against current and emerging pathogens.

Unconventional T cells of different lineages migrate from peripheral tissues to draining lymph nodes, where they operate as a connected functional unit to shape tissue-specific responses.

Multistep mechanosensing of lymphocyte infiltration and proliferation by the remodeling stroma and matrix underlies the immensely rapid and massive tissue expansion by lymph nodes in response to immune challenge.

Lymph node colonization by tumour cells promotes subsequent spread to distant tissues by inducing broad alterations in tumour immunity and generating tumour-specific immune tolerance.