Trends in Immunology
Volume 33, Issue 6, June 2012, Pages 297-305
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Review
Structure and function of lymphoid tissues
Tertiary lymphoid organs in infection and autoimmunity

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2012.04.006Get rights and content

The lymph nodes (LNs) and spleen have an optimal structure that allows the interaction between T cells, B cells and antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) on a matrix made up by stromal cells. Such a highly organized structure can also be formed in tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) at sites of infection or chronic immune stimulation. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of TLO formation and maintenance, the controversies surrounding the nature of the inducing events, and the functions of these structures in infection, transplantation and autoimmunity.

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