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Mast cell-derived particles deliver peripheral signals to remote lymph nodes JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE Kunder, C. A., John, A., Li, G., Leong, K. W., Berwin, B., Staats, H. F., Abraham, S. N. 2009; 206 (11): 2455-2467

Abstract

During infection, signals from the periphery are known to reach draining lymph nodes (DLNs), but how these molecules, such as inflammatory cytokines, traverse the significant distances involved without dilution or degradation remains unclear. We show that peripheral mast cells, upon activation, release stable submicrometer heparin-based particles containing tumor necrosis factor and other proteins. These complexes enter lymphatic vessels and rapidly traffic to the DLNs. This physiological drug delivery system facilitates communication between peripheral sites of inflammation and remote secondary lymphoid tissues.

View details for DOI 10.1084/jem.20090805

View details for Web of Science ID 000271164000015

View details for PubMedID 19808250

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2768851