IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Immune Cell and Stromal Cell Interactions

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Mandy Migiczy discussed how stromal cells, especially fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), shape lymph node structure and immune responses. She explained that lymph nodes are highly organized organs where T and B cells, dendritic cells, and antigens travel through distinct routes. FRCs form conduit-like networks that guide cell migration, deliver small lymph particles, and produce key signals such as IL-7, CCL21, and CXCL13 to support cell survival and positioning. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers have shown that FRCs are specialized by region and adapt during inflammation. Migiczy also described how lymph nodes expand during infection through vascular changes, FRC relaxation, and later FRC proliferation and network repair. Her lab found that IL-17 from Th17 cells helps reprogram FRC metabolism and supports this expansion, which is important for strong antibody responses. She closed by noting that fibroblast–immune cell interactions are crucial in cancer, autoimmunity, fibrosis, and wound healing.

Meta Tag

Date April 15, 2026 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

Room 104AB

Session AAI Program Committee Session: Back to School: A Review of Four Fast-Moving Fields, sponsored by the AAI Program Committee

Speaker Mandy McGeachy

Track Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

Year 2026

Keywords

stromal cells

fibroblastic reticular cells

lymph node structure

immune responses

IL-17

single-cell RNA sequencing

April 15, 2026 3:15 PM - 3:45 PM

104AB

AAI Program Committee Session: Back to School: A Review of Four Fast-Moving Fields, sponsored by the AAI Program Committee

Mandy McGeachy

Lymphocyte Differentiation and Peripheral Maintenance (LYM)

2026