Joseph Dominiguez
Predoctoral Trainee
Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine
Advisor: Kim Kiwook, PhD Heading link
Abstract: The omentum is a visceral adipose tissue that contains numerous fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALC) surrounded by blood capillaries. These clusters consist of large aggregates of B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and innate lymphoid cells that participate in the clearance of pathogens. In the omentum, at least two distinct macrophages are located in distinct compartment: LYVE1hi Tim4(+) embryonically-derived macrophages and CX3CR1hi Tim4(-) monocyte-derived macrophages. Here, we examine the role of CX3CR1hi Tim4(-) macrophages that are imbedded within the FALC. Using confocal imaging with reporter/conditional knock-out mice, we have characterized that CX3CR1+ Tim4- highly interact with blood capillaries and fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) within FALC. In addition, we examine how CCL19+ FRCs and blood endothelial cells interact with CX3CR1+ macrophages in steady state and inflammatory conditions.