Dynamic control of lymphocyte trafficking by fever-range thermal stress

Migration of blood-borne lymphocytes into tissues involves a tightly orchestrated sequence of adhesion events. Adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors on the surface of circulating lymphocytes initiate contact with specialized endothelial cells under hemodynamic shear prior to extravasation across the vascular barrier into tissues. Lymphocyte–endothelial adhesion occurs preferentially in high endothelial venules (HEV) of peripheral lymphoid organs. The continuous recirculation of naive and central memory lymphocytes across lymph node and Peyer’s patch HEV underlies immune surveillance and immune homeostasis. Lymphocyte–endothelial interactions are markedly enhanced in HEV-like vessels of extralymphoid organs during physiological responses associated with acute and chronic inflammation. Similar adhesive mechanisms must be invoked for efficient trafficking of immune effector cells to tumor sites in order for the immune system to have an impact on tumor progression. Here we discuss recent evidence for the role of fever-range thermal stress in promoting lymphocyte–endothelial adhesion and trafficking across HEV in peripheral lymphoid organs. Findings are also presented that support the hypothesis that lymphocyte–endothelial interactions are limited within tumor microenvironments. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms that dynamically promote lymphocyte trafficking in HEV may provide the basis for novel approaches to improve recruitment of immune effector cells to tumor sites.