The “in situ” immune response in lymph nodes: A review

Abstract

For many years data on the development of specific antibody‐forming cells in lymph nodes were incomplete, fragmentary, and even contradictory. A number of recent studies have been performed, concerning (1) their overall architecture; (2) migration of B‐lymphocytes; (3) localization of accessory cells and T‐lymphocytes which are believed to be involved in humoral immune responses; and (4) localization patterns of specific antibody‐forming cells developing during thymus dependent and thymus independent immune responses. Comparison of these new results with those of earlier studies suggests a single route of migration followed by all cells which will differentiate into antibody‐forming cells. During their differentiation into antibody‐forming plasma cells, antigen reactive B‐cells migrate along the required accessory cells and/or T‐lymphocytes.