The lymphatic vasculature has been regarded as a passive conduit for interstitial fluid and responsible for the absorption of macromolecules such as proteins or lipids and transport of nutrients from food. However, emerging data show that the lymphatic vasculature system plays an important role in immune modulation. One of its major roles is to coordinate antigen transport and immune-cell trafficking from peripheral tissues to secondary lymphoid organs, lymph nodes. This perspective was recently updated with the notion that the interaction between lymphatic endothelial cells and leukocytes controls the immune-cell migration and immune responses by regulating lymphatic flow and various secreted molecules such as chemokines and cytokines. In this review, we introduce the lymphatic vasculature networks and genetic transgenic models for research on the lymphatic vasculature system. Next, we discuss the contribution of lymphatic endothelial cells to the control of immune-cell trafficking and to maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Finally, the physiological roles and features of the lymphatic vasculature system are further discussed regarding inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis in a pathological condition, especially in mucosal tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.

中文翻译：

---

淋巴管系统在免疫中的新作用

淋巴管系统被认为是组织间液的被动管道，负责吸收大分子，如蛋白质或脂质，以及从食物中运输营养。然而，新出现的数据表明淋巴管系统在免疫调节中起着重要作用。其主要作用之一是协调抗原转运和免疫细胞从外周组织转运到次级淋巴器官、淋巴结。最近更新了这一观点，认为淋巴管内皮细胞和白细胞之间的相互作用通过调节淋巴流动和各种分泌分子（如趋化因子和细胞因子）来控制免疫细胞迁移和免疫反应。在这次审查中，我们介绍了淋巴管系统网络和用于淋巴管系统研究的转基因模型。接下来，我们讨论淋巴管内皮细胞对控制免疫细胞运输和维持外周耐受的贡献。最后，进一步讨论了淋巴管系统的生理作用和特征，涉及病理条件下炎症诱导的淋巴管生成，特别是在粘膜组织，如胃肠道和呼吸道。