7 - Lymphatic Biology

Abstract

Lung lymphatics play important roles in lung homeostasis, particularly in drainage of fluid, macromolecules, and immune cell trafficking. The advent of markers that can identify lymphatic endothelial cells and distinguish them from blood endothelial cells has led to an improved understanding of lymphatic anatomy and function. While nearly all lung diseases are associated with changes in the lymphatic vasculature, it remained unclear until recently whether lymphatics contribute to disease pathogenesis or are simply part of the remodeling process. This chapter focuses on the normal distribution and function of lung lymphatics and address lymphatic alterations in lung disease. It highlights emerging evidence in preclinical models that modulating lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function is of critical importance for disease initiation or resolution in the lungs. Many important questions remain unanswered; however, the lymphatic vasculature is emerging as a critical player in lung health and disease and is potentially an important therapeutic target.