Work

The Lymphatic System: Integral Roles in Immunity

Year: 2016

Type: review

Abstract: The lymphatic vasculature is not considered a formal part of the immune system, but it is critical to immunity. One of its major roles is in the coordination of the trafficking of antigen and immune cells. However, other roles in immunity are emerging. Lymphatic endothelial cells, for example, directly present antigen or express factors that greatly influence the local environment. We cover these topics herein and discuss how other properties of the lymphatic vasculature, such as mechanisms of lymphatic contraction (which immunologists traditionally do not take into account), are nonetheless integral in the immune system. Much is yet unknown, and this nascent subject is ripe for exploration. We argue that to consider the impact of lymphatic biology in any given immunological interaction is a key step toward integrating immunology with organ physiology and ultimately many complex pathologies.

Source: Annual Review of Immunology

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-041015-055354

Authors: Gwendalyn J. Randolph, Stoyan Ivanov, Bernd H. Zinselmeyer, Joshua P. Scallan

Institutions: Washington University in St. Louis, University of South Florida

Language: English

Topic: Lymphatic System and Diseases

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases