Immunzonen

Immunzonen is a term encountered in some German-language immunology discussions to denote distinct microenvironments within tissues in which immune responses are organized. The expression is not a standard label in contemporary textbooks; in most contexts the idea is referred to by describing immune compartments, such as B‑cell follicles or T‑cell zones rather than a single term.

In secondary lymphoid organs like lymph nodes and the spleen, the architecture includes specialized zones that support different steps of the immune response. Lymph nodes feature B‑cell follicles (germinal centers) in the cortex and T‑cell–rich paracortical areas; the spleen contains PALS (T cells) around central arteries and B‑cell–rich follicles in the white pulp. In mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) such as the gut and respiratory tract, similar zonation exists in a more dispersed form, with antigen‑presenting cells and lymphocytes organized into functional districts.

Functions attributed to immunzones include efficient antigen sampling and presentation, selective lymphocyte activation, clonal expansion, and differentiation to effector or memory cells. The spatial arrangement also supports tolerance and containment of immune reactions within appropriate sites.

Clinically, changes in the distribution or function of immune zones can accompany infections, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and cancers. Vaccination and immunotherapy aim to shape zone-specific responses, for example by promoting germinal-center reactions or T‑cell priming.

Terminology: The term immunzonen is not universally used; it may appear in educational texts or discussions to illustrate the concept of spatial organization in immunity. Other terms such as immune compartments, microenvironments, or niches are more common in the literature. See also Lymphoid organ, Germinal center, MALT.