Non-classical monocytes scavenge the growth factor CSF1 from endothelial cells in the peripheral vascular tree to ensure survival and homeostasis.

Unlike sessile macrophages that occupy specialized tissue niches, non-classical monocytes (NCMs)-circulating phagocytes that patrol and cleanse the luminal surface of the vascular tree-are characterized by constant movement. Here, we examined the nature of the NCM's nurturing niche. Expression of the growth factor CSF1 on endothelial cells was required for survival of NCMs in the bloodstream. Lack of endothelial-derived CSF1 did not affect blood CSF1 concentration, suggesting that NCMs rely on scavenging CSF1 present on endothelial cells. Deletion of the transmembrane chemokine and adhesion factor CX3CL1 on endothelial cells impaired NCM survival. Mechanistically, endothelial-derived CX3CL1 and integrin subunit alpha L (ITGAL) facilitated the uptake of CSF1 by NCMs. CSF1 was produced by all tissular endothelial cells, and deletion of Csf1 in all endothelial cells except bone marrow sinusoids impaired NCM survival, arguing for a model where the full vascular tree acts as a niche for NCMs and where survival and patrolling function are connected.

Reticular Fibroblasts Expressing the Transcription Factor WT1 Define a Stromal Niche that Maintains and Replenishes Splenic Red Pulp Macrophages.

Located within red pulp cords, splenic red pulp macrophages (RPMs) are constantly exposed to the blood flow, clearing senescent red blood cells (RBCs) and recycling iron from hemoglobin. Here, we studied the mechanisms underlying RPM homeostasis, focusing on the involvement of stromal cells as these cells perform anchoring and nurturing macrophage niche functions in lymph nodes and liver. Microscopy revealed that RPMs are embedded in a reticular meshwork of red pulp fibroblasts characterized by the expression of the transcription factor Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) and colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1). Conditional deletion of Csf1 in WT1+ red pulp fibroblasts, but not white pulp fibroblasts, drastically altered the RPM network without altering circulating CSF1 levels. Upon RPM depletion, red pulp fibroblasts transiently produced the monocyte chemoattractants CCL2 and CCL7, thereby contributing to the replenishment of the RPM network. Thus, red pulp fibroblasts anchor and nurture RPM, a function likely conserved in humans.

Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Are Essential Components of the Subcapsular Sinus Macrophage Niche.

In lymph nodes, subcapsular sinus macrophages (SSMs) form an immunological barrier that monitors lymph drained from peripheral tissues. Upon infection, SSMs activate B and natural killer T (NKT) cells while secreting inflammatory mediators. Here, we investigated the mechanisms regulating development and homeostasis of SSMs. Embryonic SSMs originated from yolk sac hematopoiesis and were replaced by a postnatal wave of bone marrow (BM)-derived monocytes that proliferated to establish the adult SSM network. The SSM network self-maintained by proliferation with minimal BM contribution. Upon pathogen-induced transient deletion, BM-derived cells contributed to restoring the SSM network. Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were the main source of CSF-1 within the lymph node and conditional deletion of Csf1 in adult LECs decreased the network of SSMs and medullary sinus macrophages (MSMs). Thus, SSMs have a dual hematopoietic origin, and LECs are essential to the niche supporting these macrophages.