Efficient lymphocyte migration across high endothelial venules of mouse Peyer's patches requires overlapping expression of L-selectin and β7 integrin

Abstract

Lymphocyte migration into lymphoid organs is regulated by adhesion molecules including L-selectin and the β7 integrins. L- selectin and α4β7 are predominantly hypothesized to direct the selective migration of lymphocytes to peripheral lymph nodes and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues, respectively. To further characterize interactions between L- selectin and β7 integrins during lymphocyte recirculation, mice deficient in both receptors (L-selectin/β7 integrin(-/-)) were generated. The simultaneous loss of L-selectin and β7 integrin expression prevented the majority of lymphocytes (> 95 % inhibition) from attaching to high endothelial venules (HEV) of Peyer's patches and other lymphoid tiss..