Work

Research progress on vascular endothelial growth factor C in meningeal lymphatic vessel-mediated clearance of amyloid β-protein

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) as a core pathological feature. Meningeal lymphatic vessels are crucial for Aβ clearance, and their dysfunction accelerates AD progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), through activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 and downstream pathways, synergistically promotes lymphangiogenesis, enhances lymphatic permeability, and regulates lymphatic fluid flow, thereby improving Aβ clearance efficiency. Genetic factors and aging-related declines in VEGF-C further impair meningeal lymphatic function, creating a vicious cycle. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which VEGF-C regulates the structure and function of meningeal lymphatic to promote Aβ clearance, synthesizes the evidence that genetic factors and aging contribute to meningeal lymphatic dysfunction through their effects on VEGF-C, and discusses the prospects of individualized intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease based on VEGF-C-mediated modulation of meningeal lymphatics, aiming to provide insights for AD prevention and treatment.

Source: Journal of Zhejiang University (Medical Sciences)

DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2025-0549

Authors: Zhaoxie YU, Yao WANG, Yanan LI, Feng SHEN, Yanchun WANG

Institutions: Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Cerebrospinal fluid and hydrocephalus

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, Hubei University