Cardiac lymphangiogenesis plays an important physiological role in the regulation of interstitial fluid homeostasis, inflammatory, and immune responses. Impaired or excessive cardiac lymphatic remodeling and insufficient lymph drainage have been implicated in several cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Although the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of functional lymphatics are not fully understood, the interplay between lymphangiogenesis and immune regulation has recently been explored in relation to the initiation and development of these diseases. In this field, experimental therapeutic strategies targeting lymphangiogenesis have shown promise by reducing myocardial inflammation, edema and fibrosis, and improving cardiac function. On the other hand, however, whether lymphangiogenesis is beneficial or detrimental to cardiac transplant survival remains controversial. In the light of recent evidence, cardiac lymphangiogenesis, a thriving and challenging field has been summarized and discussed, which may improve our knowledge in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and transplant biology.

心脏淋巴管生成在调节间质液稳态、炎症和免疫反应中起重要的生理作用。心脏淋巴重塑受损或过度以及淋巴引流不足与包括动脉粥样硬化和心肌梗塞 (MI) 在内的几种心血管疾病有关。尽管尚未完全了解调节功能性淋巴管的分子机制，但最近已经探索了淋巴管生成和免疫调节之间的相互作用与这些疾病的发生和发展有关。在这一领域，针对淋巴管生成的实验性治疗策略已通过减少心肌炎症、水肿和纤维化以及改善心脏功能显示出前景。然而另一方面，淋巴管生成对心脏移植存活是有益还是有害仍然存在争议。根据最近的证据，总结和讨论了心脏淋巴管生成这一蓬勃发展和具有挑战性的领域，这可能会提高我们对心血管疾病发病机制和移植生物学的认识。