Lymphatic Endothelial Cells and Organ-Associated Lymphangiogenesis in Tumor Microenvironment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Lymphatic vessels are heterogeneous and plastic, crucial for organ-specific function.
• Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) heterogeneity and defective architecture impact lymphatic function.
• Lymphatic vessels have a dual role in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic remodeling.
• To explore the crosstalk between LECs, immune cells, and cancer cells.
• To elucidate the role of lymphangiogenesis in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic remodeling in cancer.
• Analysis of the interactions among LECs, immune cells, and cancer cells within the TME.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding therapeutic strategies targeting lymphangiogenesis.

Main Results:

• Lymphangiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer progression and treatment resistance.
• Dysregulated lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis contribute to cancer pathogenesis.
• Targeting lymphangiogenesis, potentially with immune checkpoint inhibitors, shows therapeutic promise against lymphatic metastasis.

Conclusions:

• Understanding tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic remodeling is critical for cancer therapy.
• Targeting lymphangiogenesis presents a viable strategy to inhibit cancer metastasis and overcome treatment resistance.
• Further research into the crosstalk within the TME can lead to novel therapeutic interventions.