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Rethinking Lymphatic Vessels and Antitumor Immunity.
1Department of Cell, Developmental, & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Trends in Cancer
|July 26, 2017
Summary
Lymphatic vessels play a key role in fluid balance and immune cell movement. New research suggests they may also hinder antitumor immunity, prompting a reevaluation of their function in cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Lymphatic vessels are crucial for fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking, and lipid transport.
- They are recognized as routes for solid tumor metastasis.
- Emerging evidence links lymphatic vessels to intratumoral lymphocyte presence and immune suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reevaluate the traditional view of lymphatic vessels as passive structures.
- To discuss the implications of lymphatic vessel function in the context of antitumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and reevaluation of existing data.
- Analysis of recent findings on lymphatic vessels and immune cells within tumors.
Main Results:
- Lymphatic vessels are increasingly recognized for active roles beyond fluid transport.
- Evidence suggests a direct suppressive effect of lymphatic vessels on antitumor immune responses.
Conclusions:
- The passive paradigm of lymphatic vessels needs reassessment.
- Understanding the active role of lymphatic vessels is critical for developing effective cancer immunotherapies.
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