Tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 signaling is required for differentiation of follicular dendritic cells, germinal center formation, and full antibody responses.

Using mice double deficient for tumor necrosis factor and lymphotoxin alpha (TNF/LT alpha-/-) we have demonstrated that TNF and/or LT alpha are important for morphogenesis of secondary lymphoid organs and for T-cell-dependent antibody responses. In the present study we attempted to identify the receptors involved in those functions of TNF and LT alpha. Spleen morphology and antibody responses were investigated in wild-type, TNFR1-/-, TNFR2-/-, and TNF/LT alpha-/- mice immunized with SRBC. TNF/LT alpha-/- mice, which have a complete disruption of the TNF/LT alpha signaling system including the lymphotoxin beta (LT beta) receptor pathway, displayed an abnormal splenic microarchitecture and isotype switch did not take place. TNFR1-/- and TNFR2-/- mice displayed a normal splenic morphology and mounted an IgM and IgG antibody response to SRBC. However, the IgG production in TNFR1-/- mice was abnormal, with titers leveling off after 6 days following primary immunization, and with a minimal response to a second antigen challenge. Immunofluorescence analysis of spleen sections revealed in this strain a lack of follicular dendritic cell (FDC) network and of germinal centers. In conclusion, while normal splenic microarchitecture and isotype switch might require the LT beta receptor, differentiation of the FDC network, development of germinal centers, a sustained IgG response, and probably the development of memory cells depend on signaling via TNFR1.