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Updated: Jul 28, 2025

A Murine Tail Lymphedema Model
Published on: February 10, 2021
The Function of T Cell Immunity in Lymphedema: A Comprehensive Review
Ao Fu1, Chunjun Liu1
1Department of Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Lymphedema is a debilitating disease characterized by extremity edema, fibroadipose deposition, impaired lymphangiogenesis, and dysfunctional lymphatics, often with lymphatic injury secondary to the treatment of malignancies. Emerging evidence has shown that immune dysfunction regulated by T cells plays a pivotal role in development of lymphedema. Specifically, Th1, Th2, Treg, and Th17 cells have been identified as critical regulators of pathological changes in lymphedema. In this review, our aim is to provide an overview of the current understanding of the roles of CD4+ T cells, including Th1, Th2, Treg, and Th17 subsets, in the progression of lymphedema and to discuss associated therapies targeting T cell inflammation for management of lymphedema.
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