Immunity and Gastrointestinal Disease: A Role for Lymphatic Vessels

Ryan Mathias,Pierre-Yves Von Der Weid

doi:10.4172/2155-9899.1000262

Abstract

The lymphatic system comprises a series of vessels that operate together to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis as well as traffic nutrients and immune cells throughout the body. Immune cell trafficking is an important and often overlooked function of the lymphatic system and over the years, data has amassed which supports its vital role in a healthy immune system. An intact lymphatic system is not only involved in activation of the immune system in response to a pathogen, it is also involved ensuring that the body does not exaggerate responses to otherwise benign molecules encountered every day. Nowhere is this pivotal role for the lymphatics more apparent that in the gastrointestinal system, an organ system that is assaulted daily with antigens and potential disease-causing pathogens. Dysfunctional lymphatic systems have been reported in patients in which uncontrolled inflammation and exaggerated immune responses occur; inflammatory bowel disease is one such disease. Animal models lend support to the role the lymphatic system plays in modulating inflammation and trafficking of immune cells to lymph nodes. New evidence even suggests lymphatics may play a role in food allergies. This review aims to highlight some of the recent evidence emerging with respect to lymphatic system involvement in intestinal inflammation, immune cell trafficking and food allergies.

Highlights

First discovered in the 1600s and initially confused with veins, we know how important lymphatic vessels are in transporting nutrients, maintaining tissue fluid balance, facilitating an immune response and even promoting cancer metastasis
This review aims to highlight the functions of the lymphatic system in the gut in the context of inflammation and immunity
Immune System Activation Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs of the lymphatic system that act as a garrison for naïve lymphocytes and other immune cells; in lymph nodes antigens are presented to lymphocytes either freely flowing or via antigen-presenting cells (APCs)

Summary

Introduction

First discovered in the 1600s and initially confused with veins, we know how important lymphatic vessels are in transporting nutrients, maintaining tissue fluid balance, facilitating an immune response and even promoting cancer metastasis. While lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels, the two main components of the lymphatic system, are found throughout the body, they are especially important in the gut where they mediate immune-homeostasis.

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Conclusion