Lymph nodes have been studied for decades as the main site of the adaptive immune response. In this Viewpoint, we outline how the lymph nodes have another less appreciated function as an active innate barrier. Lymph nodes drain lymphatic fluid from tissues that are exposed to the external environment, such as the skin, lung, or gut. Pathogens that travel through lymphatics should be able to enter the circulation, if it were not for the strategic localization of lymph nodes along lymphatics which prevent systemic access. There is growing evidence for several populations of innate immune cells in the lymph node that function to control pathogens. Understanding how the lymph node functions as an active innate barrier can contribute to improving defenses against dissemination of infections in patients.

中文翻译：

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淋巴结：病原体无法识别的障碍。

淋巴结已经作为适应性免疫反应的主要部位进行了数十年的研究。在这个观点中，我们概述了淋巴结如何具有作为活跃的先天屏障的另一种鲜为人知的功能。淋巴结从暴露于外部环境（例如皮肤，肺或肠）的组织中排出淋巴液。穿过淋巴管的病原体应该能够进入循环系统，如果不是为了沿淋巴管对淋巴结进行战略性定位而阻止了系统进入的话。越来越多的证据表明淋巴结中有一些先天免疫细胞能够控制病原体。了解淋巴结如何作为主动的先天屏障起作用，可以有助于改善抵抗患者感染传播的能力。