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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Intestinal lymphatic vasculature: structure, mechanisms and functions
Jeremiah Bernier-Latmani1, Tatiana V Petrova1,2
1Department of Fundamental Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Institute of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Chemin des Boveresses 155, Epalinges, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The mammalian intestine is richly supplied with lymphatic vasculature, which has functions ranging from maintenance of interstitial fluid balance to transport of antigens, antigen-presenting cells, dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins. In this Review, we provide in-depth information concerning the organization and structure of intestinal lymphatics, the current view of their developmental origins, as well as molecular mechanisms of intestinal lymphatic patterning and maintenance. We will also discuss physiological aspects of intestinal lymph flow regulation and the known and emerging roles of intestinal lymphatic vessels in human diseases, such as IBD, infection and cancer.
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