Whole-transcript expression data of native stromal cells from normal human tonsil samples

Despite recent advances in the characterization of lymphoid stromal cell origin, heterogeneity, and function in mice, little is known in human. Most of transcriptomics approaches in human was performed on cultured, and amplified stromal cells modifying their phenotype and function. We purified native stromal cells from fresh and healthy tonsil samples. Gene expression profiling based on three lymphoid stromal cell types provides new insights on the characterization of those cells in human. Tonsil tissues from 6 healthy donors were collected and enzymatically dissociated. After depletion of hematopoietic cells three stromal cell subsets were sorted by FACS based on their phenotype. DN: CD45[Neg] /CD11b[Neg] /CD235a[Neg] /CD31[Neg] /Podoplanin[Neg] /CD21[Neg] /CD49a[Pos] ; FDC: CD45[Neg] /CD11b[Neg] /CD235a[Neg] /CD31[Neg] /Podoplanin[Pos] /CD21[Pos] ; FRC: CD45[Neg] /CD11b[Neg] /CD235a[Neg] /CD31[Neg] /Podoplanin[Pos] /CD21[Neg] /CD49a[Pos]). RNA extraction was performed on 10 000 cells for each stromal cell subsets then amplified. Hybridization was performed onto Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 oligonucleotide arrays (Affymetrix) according to manufacturer’s instructions.