Spleen articles from across Nature Portfolio

Neudesin is identified as an inhibitor of erythrophagocytosis by red pulp macrophages in the spleen. Its deficiency shortened RBC lifespan, and impaired recovery from induced acute anemia in young mice, and led to severe anemia in older mice.

Cyster and colleagues show that CD97–CD55 interactions, which trigger Gα₁₃–ARHGEF–Rho cytoskeletal signaling, are needed for proper MZ B cell positioning/retention in the spleen and for optimal antibody responses to T cell-independent antigens.

In this study, Wang, Xu et al. investigate the interaction of neutrophils and T cells in lymphoid tissues away from the tumour area, and how metabolic competition between these immune cell populations impairs anti-tumour immunity in the context of breast cancer.

It is debated how follicular helper T (Tfh) cells versus central memory CD4⁺ T cells arise from similar precursors, and little is known about the regulation of germinal-centre (GC)-Tfh cell differentiation. Here, authors establish markers in the early precursor stage that distinguish between the GC-Tfh and memory T cell fates and identify an important mechanism that regulates the competitive fitness of the GC-Tfh cells.

In the spleen, diverse types of fibroblastic stromal cells, as well as neuronal cells, establish a complex microanatomy that supports splenic function at homeostasis and orchestrates immune responses to infection.

Asplenia and hyposplenism can have multiple and complex causes and lead to morbidity and mortality, especially owing to overwhelming post-splenectomy infections. In this Primer, Lenti and colleagues review epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of these conditions, and discuss patient quality of life and future strategies.

The kinase Taok3 and protease ADAM10 mediate determination of the fate of marginal zone B cells.

Small, soluble, ubiquitous ligands are difficult to visualize. Schwab and colleagues have created a functional receptor reporter that gauges the in vivo concentration, location and biological action of sphingolipids.

Innate lymphoid cells, marginal reticular cells and B cell–helper neutrophils interact to promote antibody secretion by B cells in the marginal zone of the spleen in humans and mice.

Innate lymphoid cells enhance innate-like B cell responses in the spleen.