Chemokines and Cell Migration in Secondary Lymphoid Organs

As few as one in 100,000 B and T lymphocytes are specific for a single protein antigen, such as tetanus toxin, yet these cells must come together if an antibody response is to occur. Bringing antigen-presenting cells and rare antigen-specific B and T lymphocytes into physical contact is a principal function of secondary lymphoid organs. In the last few years, details have begun to emerge on the cues that guide cell movements inside lymphoid organs, and a central role for the chemokine family of molecules has been uncovered. Here, current understanding of the roles played by chemokines in the functional biology of secondary lymphoid organs will be reviewed.