| First Author | Galletti JG | Year | 2023 |
| Journal | Clin Immunol | Volume | 248 |
| Pages | 109251 | PubMed ID | 36740002 |
| Mgi Jnum | J:356324 | Mgi Id | MGI:7762416 |
| Doi | 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109251 | Citation | Galletti JG, et al. (2023) Ectopic lymphoid structures in the aged lacrimal glands. Clin Immunol 248:109251 |
| abstractText | Aging is a complex biological process in which many organs are pathologically affected. We previously reported that aged C57BL/6J had increased lacrimal gland (LG) lymphoid infiltrates that suggest ectopic lymphoid structures. However, these ectopic lymphoid structures have not been fully investigated. Using C57BL/6J mice of different ages, we analyzed the transcriptome of aged murine LGs and characterized the B and T cell populations. Age-related changes in the LG include increased differentially expressed genes associated with B and T cell activation, germinal center formation, and infiltration by marginal zone-like B cells. We also identified an age-related increase in B1(+) cells and CD19(+)B220(+) cells. B220(+)CD19(+) cells were GL7(+) (germinal center-like) and marginal zone-like and progressively increased with age. There was an upregulation of transcripts related to T follicular helper cells, and the number of these cells also increased as mice aged. Compared to a mouse model of Sjogren syndrome, aged LGs have similar transcriptome responses but also unique ones. And lastly, the ectopic lymphoid structures in aged LGs are not exclusive to a specific mouse background as aged diverse outbred mice also have immune infiltration. Altogether, this study identifies a profound change in the immune landscape of aged LGs where B cells become predominant. Further studies are necessary to investigate the specific function of these B cells during the aged LGs. |
