Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of Immune Homeostasis, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center Osaka University Osaka Japan
2. Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER) Osaka University Osaka Japan
Abstract
SummaryThe milky spots in omentum are atypical lymphoid tissues that play a pivotal role in regulating immune responses in the peritoneal cavity. The milky spots act as central hubs for collecting antigens and particles from the peritoneal cavity, regulating lymphocyte trafficking, promoting the differentiation and self‐renewal of immune cells, and supporting the local germinal centre response. In addition, the milky spots exhibit unique developmental characteristics that combine the features of secondary and tertiary lymphoid tissues. These structures are innately programmed to form during foetal development; however, they can also be formed postnatally in response to peritoneal irritation such as inflammation, infection, obesity, or tumour metastasis. In this review, I discuss emerging perspectives on homeostatic development and organization of the milky spots.
Funder
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Japan Science and Technology Agency