Abstract
The lymphatic network is well known for its role in the maintenance of tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary lipids, trafficking of immune cells, and adaptive immunity. Aberrant lymphatic function has been linked to lymphedema and immune disorders for a long time. Discovery of lymphatic cell markers, novel insights into developmental and postnatal lymphangiogenesis, development of genetic mouse models, and the introduction of new imaging techniques have improved our understanding of lymphatic function in both health and disease, especially in the last decade. Previous studies linked the lymphatic vasculature to atherosclerosis through regulation of immune responses, reverse cholesterol transport, and inflammation. Despite extensive research, many aspects of the lymphatic circulation in atherosclerosis are still unknown and future studies are required to confirm that arterial lymphangiogenesis truly represents a therapeutic target in patients with cardiovascular disease. In this review article, we provide an overview of factors and mechanisms that regulate lymphangiogenesis, summarize recent findings on the role of lymphatics in macrophage reverse cholesterol transport, immune cell trafficking and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and present an overview of pharmacological and genetic strategies to modulate lymphatic vessel density in cardiovascular tissue.
Highlights
A network of lymphatic vessels (LVs), lymph nodes (LNs), and lymphoid organs, which play an important role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, constitute the lymphatic system [1]
LVs originate from veins, and thereafter undergo extensive expansion by sprouting and proliferation, and form a hierarchical network of vessels categorized based on their specific functions and morphological features, namely lymphatic capillaries and collecting lymphatic vessels [6]
VEGF-D knockout adult mice have a slight decrease in bronchiolar lymphatics without any defect in lymphatic function [67]. These results suggest that VEGF-D is dispensable for lymphatic development or the presence of VEGF-C in these mice can compensate for the absence of VEGF-D during development
Summary
A network of lymphatic vessels (LVs), lymph nodes (LNs), and lymphoid organs, which play an important role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, constitute the lymphatic system [1]. Previous studies demonstrated the presence of LVs in atherosclerotic arteries, yet, our knowledge about the mechanisms regulating lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function in the vessel wall and the role of LVs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is limited. We discuss the general anatomy and functions of LVs, provide an overview of factors and mechanisms that regulate lymphangiogenesis, highlight recent findings on the role of lymphatics in macrophage RCT and atherosclerosis, and present an overview of pharmacological and genetic strategies to regulate lymphangiogenesis in the vasculature
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
