[HTML][HTML] Tumor-associated lymphatic vessel features and immunomodulatory functions

L Garnier, AO Gkountidi, S Hugues - Frontiers in immunology, 2019 - frontiersin.org
L Garnier, AO Gkountidi, S Hugues
Frontiers in immunology, 2019frontiersin.org
The lymphatic system comprises a network of lymphoid tissues and vessels that drains the
extracellular compartment of most tissues. During tumor development, lymphatic endothelial
cells (LECs) substantially expand in response to VEGFR-3 engagement by VEGF-C
produced in the tumor microenvironment, a process known as tumor-associated
lymphangiogenesis. Lymphatic drainage from the tumor to the draining lymph nodes
consequently increases, powering interstitial flow in the tumor stroma. The ability of a tumor …
The lymphatic system comprises a network of lymphoid tissues and vessels that drains the extracellular compartment of most tissues. During tumor development, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) substantially expand in response to VEGFR-3 engagement by VEGF-C produced in the tumor microenvironment, a process known as tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. Lymphatic drainage from the tumor to the draining lymph nodes consequently increases, powering interstitial flow in the tumor stroma. The ability of a tumor to induce and activate lymphatic growth has been positively correlated with metastasis. Much effort has been made to identify genes responsible for tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis. Inhibition of lymphangiogenesis with soluble VEGFR-3 or with specific monoclonal antibodies decreases tumor spread to LNs in rodent models. Importantly, tumor-associated lymphatics do not only operate as tumor cell transporters but also play critical roles in anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, metastatic as well as primary tumor progression can be affected by manipulating tumor-associated lymphatic remodeling or function. Here, we review and discuss our current knowledge on the contribution of LECs immersed in the tumor microenvironment as immunoregulators, as well as a possible functional remodeling of LECs subsets depending on the organ microenvironment.
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