Lymphatic constraint of germinal centers optimizes protective antibody responses.

Inhibiting viral-induced lymphatic remodeling in skin and lymph nodes causes germinal center expansion but reduces protective antibody responses in mammals.

• Why it matters: Understanding how lymphatic vessels influence germinal center responses is crucial for improving immunization strategies and pathogen control, yet the mechanisms remain unclear.
• What they did: The study used inhibition of lymphatic remodeling in skin and lymph nodes, observing germinal center size, T-B cell interactions, and antibody responses across diverse mammals, with a focus on lymphatic dynamics.
• The result: Lymphatic vessels regulate germinal center size by limiting viral transport and supporting perifollicular lymphangiogenesis, which constrains germinal center expansion and enhances protective antibody responses.