Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis: cellular mediators and functional implications

In adult mammals, lymphatic vessels have been shown to respond to their environment by undergoing lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from preexisting ones. Accumulating experimental and preclinical studies demonstrate that lymphangiogenesis is associated with many inflammatory diseases and may represent an attractive therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. Thus, a better understanding of how lymphangiogenesis is regulated and contribution to inflammation is critical and may benefit clinical research targeting chronic inflammatory diseases. This review discusses the biological functions of lymphangiogenesis during inflammation and our current understanding of the key cellular players that can either support or limit lymphangiogenesis. Current data suggest that the context and time frame in which lymphangiogenesis occurs will determine its impact on the course of inflammation.