Dendritic cells enter lymph vessels by hyaluronan-mediated docking to the endothelial receptor LYVE-1

Design Strategies for Hyaluronic Acid-based Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Immunotherapy

Despite its robust therapeutic potential, cancer immunotherapy has provided little progress towards improved survival rates for patients bearing immunologically refractory tumors. The implementation of advanced drug delivery systems represents a powerful means of improving cancer immunotherapy by relieving immunosuppression and promoting immune response; however, the overall impact of these systems on immunotherapy currently remains modest. Hyaluronic acid represents a widely used polymer in drug delivery; meanwhile, recent studies linking hyaluronic acid to the immune system make this polymer an attractive component in the design of next-generation cancer immunotherapies. Herein, we review our current understanding of the immunological properties of hyaluronic acid and discuss them in the context of bioactive functions and immune-related interactions with receptors, immune, and cancer cells. We analyze the potential of hyaluronic acid as a component in advanced drug delivery systems, highlighting strategies for the design of more effective vaccines and cancer chemo-immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss critical considerations to facilitate design and clinical translation to overcome existing challenges and maximize therapeutic potential.

Structure and unusual binding mechanism of the hyaluronan receptor LYVE-1 mediating leucocyte entry to lymphatics

Immune surveillance involves the continual migration of antigen-scavenging immune cells from the tissues to downstream lymph nodes via lymphatic vessels. To enable such passage, cells first dock with the lymphatic entry receptor LYVE-1 on the outer surface of endothelium, using their endogenous hyaluronan glycocalyx, anchored by a second hyaluronan receptor, CD44. Why the process should require two different hyaluronan receptors and by which specific mechanism the LYVE-1•hyaluronan interaction enables lymphatic entry is however unknown. Here we describe the crystal structures and binding mechanics of murine and human LYVE-1•hyaluronan complexes. These reveal a highly unusual, sliding mode of ligand interaction, quite unlike the conventional sticking mode of CD44, in which the receptor grabs free hyaluronan chain-ends and winds them in through conformational re-arrangements in a deep binding cleft, lubricated by a layer of structured waters. Our findings explain the mode of action of a dedicated lymphatic entry receptor and define a distinct, low tack adhesive interaction that enables migrating immune cells to slide through endothelial junctions with minimal resistance, while clinging onto their hyaluronan glycocalyx for essential downstream functions.

Lymphatic transport in anti-tumor immunity and metastasis

Although lymphatic vessels (LVs) are present in many tumors, their importance in cancer has long been underestimated. In contrast to the well-studied tumor-associated blood vessels, LVs were previously considered to function as passive conduits for tumor metastasis. However, emerging evidence over the last two decades has shed light on their critical role in locally shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we review the involvement of LVs in tumor progression, metastasis, and modulation of anti-tumor immune response.

Meningeal lymphatic vessel crosstalk with central nervous system immune cells in aging and neurodegenerative diseases

Meningeal lymphatic vessels form a relationship between the nervous system and periphery, which is relevant in both health and disease. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only play a key role in the drainage of brain metabolites but also contribute to antigen delivery and immune cell activation. The advent of novel genomic technologies has enabled rapid progress in the characterization of myeloid and lymphoid cells and their interactions with meningeal lymphatic vessels within the central nervous system. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted roles of meningeal lymphatic vessels within the context of the central nervous system immune network, highlighting recent discoveries on the immunological niche provided by meningeal lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, we delve into the mechanisms of crosstalk between meningeal lymphatic vessels and immune cells in the central nervous system under both homeostatic conditions and neurodegenerative diseases, discussing how these interactions shape the pathological outcomes. Regulation of meningeal lymphatic vessel function and structure can influence lymphatic drainage, cerebrospinal fluid-borne immune modulators, and immune cell populations in aging and neurodegenerative disorders, thereby playing a key role in shaping meningeal and brain parenchyma immunity.

Extravillous trophoblasts reverse the decidualization induced increase in matrix production by secreting TGFβ antagonists Emilin-1 and Gremlin-1

The maternal-fetal interface has long been considered as a frontier for an evolutionary arms race due to the close juxtaposition of genetically distinct tissues. In hemochorial species with deep placental invasion, including in humans, maternal stroma prepares its defenses against deep trophoblast invasion by decidualization, a differentiation process characterized by increased stromal cell matrix production, and contractile force generation. Decidualization has evolved from an ancestral wound healing response of fibroblast activation by the endometrial stroma. On the placental side, a new trophoblast cell type in great apes has recently evolved, called extravillous trophoblast (EVT), with an exceptionally high invasive capability. Using HTR8, and differentiated EVTs from trophectodermal stem cells, we show that EVTs partly counter decidual myofibroblast activation derived defenses. This reversal in decidual defenses is achieved by secreted antagonists of Transforming Growth Factor β/Bone morphogenic pathway, specifically Emilin-1 and Gremlin-1. Emilin-1 and Gremlin-1 reverse TGFβ activation in decidual cells, reducing high collagen production, and expression of genes associated with myofibroblast transformation. We also show that these secreted TGFβ antagonists can functionally reverse acquired decidual resistance to trophoblast invasion. As our work highlights new mechanisms evolved by trophoblasts to regulate stromal invasibility, it has broader implications in other invasive processes, including wound healing, and cancer metastasis.

Leukocyte-lymphatic intersections during cardiac inflammation

Advances in genetic, pharmacologic, and sequencing technology have led to new insight into the role of lymphatics in health and disease. This includes fundamental aspects of the crosstalk between immune cells with cardiac lymphatics. At the interface between leukocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells, myeloid populations are sources of lymphatic growth factors during inflammation. Lymphatic endothelial cells also secrete signals that activate leukocytes, including to antigen presenting cells. Taken together, a view of the lymphatic vasculature as a supplemental cardiac immune hub is emerging. Herein, we discuss reciprocal cell and molecular crosstalk between leukocytes and lymphatics in the myocardium, with implications for health and cardiac inflammation.

PTX3 is expressed in terminal lymphatics and shapes their organization and function

Introduction

The lymphatic system is a multifaceted regulator of tissue homeostasis and an integral part of immune responses. Previous studies had shown that subsets of lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) express PTX3, an essential component of humoral innate immunity and tissue homeostasis.

Methods

In the present study using whole-mount imaging and image-based morphometric quantifications, Ptx3-targeted mice and in vivo functional analysis, we investigated the involvement of PTX3 in shaping and function of the lymphatic vasculature.

Results

We found that PTX3 is localized in the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding human and murine lymphatic vessels (LV). In murine tissues, PTX3 was localized in the ECM close to LV terminals and sprouting. Ptx3-deficient mice showed LV abnormalities in the colon submucosa and diaphragm, including a disorganized pattern and hyperplasia of initial LV capillaries associated with altered distribution of tight junction-associated molecules. Mice with LEC-restricted PTX3 gene inactivation showed morphological and organization abnormalities similar to those observed in Ptx3-deficient animals. Ptx3-deficient mice showed defective fluid drainage from footpads and defective dendritic cell (DC) trafficking.

Discussion

Thus, PTX3 is strategically localized in the ECM of specialized LV, playing an essential role in their structural organization and immunological function.

EphrinB2-mediated CDK5/ISL1 pathway enhances cardiac lymphangiogenesis and alleviates ischemic injury by resolving post-MI inflammation

EphrinB2 (erythropoietin-producing hepatoma interactor B2) is a key Eph/ephrin family member, promoting angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis during embryonic development. However, the role of EphrinB2 in cardiac lymphangiogenesis following myocardial infarction (MI) and the potential molecular mechanism remains to be demonstrated. This study revealed that EphrinB2 prevented ischemic heart post-MI from remodeling and dysfunction by activating the cardiac lymphangiogenesis signaling pathway. Deletion of EphrinB2 impaired cardiac lymphangiogenesis and aggravated adverse cardiac remodeling and ventricular dysfunction post-MI. At the same time, overexpression of EphrinB2 stimulated cardiac lymphangiogenesis which facilitated cardiac infiltrating macrophage drainage and reduced inflammation in the ischemic heart. The beneficial effects of EphrinB2 on improving clearance of inflammatory response and cardiac function were abolished in Lyve1 knockout mice. Mechanistically, EphrinB2 accelerated cell cycling and lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation and migration by activating CDK5 and CDK5-dependent ISL1 nuclear translocation. EphrinB2 enhanced the transcriptional activity of ISL1 at the VEGFR3 (FLT4) promoter, and VEGFR3 inhibitor MAZ51 significantly diminished the EphrinB2-mediated lymphangiogenesis and deteriorated the ischemic cardiac function. We uncovered a novel mechanism of EphrinB2-driven cardiac lymphangiogenesis in improving myocardial remodeling and function after MI.

Kupffer cell reverse migration into the liver sinusoids mitigates neonatal sepsis and meningitis

In adults, liver-resident macrophages, or Kupffer cells (KCs), reside in the sinusoids and sterilize circulating blood by capturing rapidly flowing microbes. We developed quantitative intravital imaging of 1-day-old mice combined with transcriptomics, genetic manipulation, and in vivo infection assays to interrogate increased susceptibility of newborns to bloodstream infections. Whereas 1-day-old KCs were better at catching Escherichia coli in vitro, we uncovered a critical 1-week window postpartum when KCs have limited access to blood and must translocate from liver parenchyma into the sinusoids. KC migration was independent of the microbiome but depended on macrophage migration inhibitory factor, its receptor CD74, and the adhesion molecule CD44. On the basis of our findings, we propose a model of progenitor macrophage seeding of the liver sinusoids via a reverse transmigration process from liver parenchyma. These results also illustrate the importance of developing newborn mouse models to understand newborn immunity and disease.

Multi-parameter tunable synthetic matrix for engineering lymphatic vessels

Controlling the formation of new lymphatic vessels has been postulated as an innovative therapeutic strategy for various disease phenotypes, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and lymphedema. Yet, compared to the blood vascular system, little is known about the molecular regulation that controls lymphatic tube formation in a synthetic matrix. In this study, we utilize hyaluronic acid (HA)-hydrogels to design a novel platform for decoupled investigation into how mechanical and biochemical cues regulate lymphatic vessel formation in a synthetic matrix. Using HA and controlling the degree of modification provides a method to preserve and modulate key lymphatic markers Prox1, LYVE-1, and Pdpn. The chemistry of the system allows for spatial and temporal patterning of specific peptides and substrate stiffnesses, and an MMP-sensitive crosslinker allowed cells to degrade and remodel their matrix. Through systematic optimization of multiple parameters, we have designed a system that allows human lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to self-assemble into vessels in vitro within 3 days. These engineered vessels can be cultured for up to 3 weeks and can be used for high-throughput mechanistic studies, or can be implanted into immunodeficient mice where they have demonstrated the ability to integrate and mature. Collectively, these studies report a novel, fully-defined 3D synthetic matrix system capable of generating lymphatic vessels in vitro that provide promise as an in vitro screening platform and as a therapeutic vessel transplant, which to our knowledge, is the first ever 3D lymphatic tissue engineering approach to not require the use of support cells.

Real-time detection and resection of sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer through a rare earth nanoprobe based NIR-IIb fluorescence imaging

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a commonly employed procedure for the routine assessment of axillary involvement in patients with breast cancer. Nevertheless, conventional SLN mapping cannot reliably distinguish the presence and absence of metastatic disease. Additionally, the complex anatomical structures and lymphatic drainage patterns surrounding tumor sites pose challenges to the sensitivity of the near-infrared fluorescence imaging with subcutaneously injected probes. To identifying the SLN metastases, we developed a novel nanoprobe for in vivo fluorescence imaging within the second near-infrared (NIR-II) range. This nanoprobe utilizes rare-earth nanoparticles (RENPs) to emit bright fluorescence at 1525 nm and is conjugated with tumor-targeted hyaluronic acid (HA) to facilitate the detection of metastatic SLN. Upon intravenous administration, RENPs@HA effectively migrated to SLNs and selectively entered metastatic breast tumor cells through CD44-mediated endocytosis. The RENPs@HA nanoprobes exhibited rapid accumulation in metastatic inguinal lymph nodes in mouse model, displaying a 5.8-fold-stronger fluorescence intensity to that observed in normal SLNs. Consequently, these nanoprobes effectively differentiate metastatic SLNs from normal SLNs. Importantly, the probes accurately detected micrometastases. These findings underscore the potential of RENPs@HA for real-time visualization and screening of SLNs metastasis.

Lymphangiogenesis: novel strategies to promote cutaneous wound healing

The cutaneous lymphatic system regulates tissue inflammation, fluid balance and immunological responses. Lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic dysfunction may lead to lymphedema, immune deficiency, chronic inflammation etc. Tissue regeneration and healing depend on angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis during wound healing. Tissue oedema and chronic inflammation can slow wound healing due to impaired lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic dysfunction. For example, impaired lymphangiogenesis or lymphatic dysfunction has been detected in nonhealing wounds such as diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers and bedsores. This review summarizes the structure and function of the cutaneous lymphatic vessel system and lymphangiogenesis in wounds. Furthermore, we review wound lymphangiogenesis processes and remodelling, especially the influence of the inflammatory phase. Finally, we outline how to control lymphangiogenesis to promote wound healing, assess the possibility of targeting lymphangiogenesis as a novel treatment strategy for chronic wounds and provide an analysis of the possible problems that need to be addressed.

Perivascular B cells link intestinal angiogenesis to immunity and to the gut-brain axis during neuroinflammation

Disruption of gut barrier function and intestinal immune cell homeostasis are increasingly considered critical players in pathogenesis of extra-intestinal inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and its prototypical animal model, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Breakdown of epithelial barriers increases intestinal permeability and systemic dissemination of microbiota-derived molecules. However, whether the gut-vascular barrier (GVB) is altered during EAE has not been reported. Here, we demonstrate that endothelial cell proliferation and vessel permeability increase before EAE clinical onset, leading to vascular remodeling and expansion of intestinal villi capillary bed during disease symptomatic phase in an antigen-independent manner. Concomitant to onset of angiogenesis observed prior to neurological symptoms, we identify an increase of intestinal perivascular immune cells characterized by the surface marker lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor 1 (LYVE-1). LYVE-1+ is expressed more frequently on B cells that show high levels of CD73 and have proangiogenic properties. B cell depletion was sufficient to mitigate enteric blood endothelial cell proliferation following immunization for EAE. In conclusion, we propose that altered intestinal vasculature driven by a specialized LYVE-1+ B cell subset promotes angiogenesis and that loss of GVB function is implicated in EAE development and autoimmunity.

Lymphatic trafficking of immune cells and insights for cancer metastasis

Most cancers and in particular carcinomas metastasise via the lymphatics to draining lymph nodes from where they can potentially achieve systemic dissemination by invasion of high endothelial blood venules (HEVs) in the paracortex [1, 2]. Currently however, the mechanisms by which tumours invade and migrate within the lymphatics are incompletely understood, although it seems likely they exploit at least some of the normal physiological mechanisms used by immune cells to access lymphatic capillaries and traffic to draining lymph nodes in the course of immune surveillance, immune modulation and the resolution of inflammation [3, 4]. Typically these include directional guidance via chemotaxis, haptotaxis and durotaxis, adhesion to the vessel surface via receptors including integrins, and junctional re-modelling by MMPs (Matrix MetalloProteinases) and ADAMs (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinases) [5-7]. This short review focusses on a newly emerging mechanism for lymphatic entry that involves the large polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) and its key lymphatic and immune cell receptors respectively LYVE-1 (Lymphatic Vessel Endothelial receptor) and CD44, and outlines recent work which indicates this axis may also be used by some tumours to aid nodal metastasis.

Spatially targeted chemokine exocytosis guides transmigration at lymphatic endothelial multicellular junctions

Migrating cells preferentially breach and integrate epithelial and endothelial monolayers at multicellular vertices. These sites are amenable to forces produced by the migrating cell and subsequent opening of the junctions. However, the cues that guide migrating cells to these entry portals, and eventually drive the transmigration process, are poorly understood. Here, we show that lymphatic endothelium multicellular junctions are the preferred sites of dendritic cell transmigration in both primary cell co-cultures and in mouse dermal explants. Dendritic cell guidance to multicellular junctions was dependent on the dendritic cell receptor CCR7, whose ligand, lymphatic endothelial chemokine CCL21, was exocytosed at multicellular junctions. Characterization of lymphatic endothelial secretory routes indicated Golgi-derived RAB6+ vesicles and RAB3+/27+ dense core secretory granules as intracellular CCL21 storage vesicles. Of these, RAB6+ vesicles trafficked CCL21 to the multicellular junctions, which were enriched with RAB6 docking factor ELKS (ERC1). Importantly, inhibition of RAB6 vesicle exocytosis attenuated dendritic cell transmigration. These data exemplify how spatially-restricted exocytosis of guidance cues helps to determine where dendritic cells transmigrate.

Lymphatic vessels in the age of cancer immunotherapy

Lymphatic transport maintains homeostatic health and is necessary for immune surveillance, and yet lymphatic growth is often associated with solid tumour development and dissemination. Although tumour-associated lymphatic remodelling and growth were initially presumed to simply expand a passive route for regional metastasis, emerging research puts lymphatic vessels and their active transport at the interface of metastasis, tumour-associated inflammation and systemic immune surveillance. Here, we discuss active mechanisms through which lymphatic vessels shape their transport function to influence peripheral tissue immunity and the current understanding of how tumour-associated lymphatic vessels may both augment and disrupt antitumour immune surveillance. We end by looking forward to emerging areas of interest in the field of cancer immunotherapy in which lymphatic vessels and their transport function are likely key players: the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures, immune surveillance in the central nervous system, the microbiome, obesity and ageing. The lessons learnt support a working framework that defines the lymphatic system as a key determinant of both local and systemic inflammatory networks and thereby a crucial player in the response to cancer immunotherapy.

The contribution of the meningeal immune interface to neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide, particularly among the elderly, yet our mechanistic understanding of what renders the post-traumatic brain vulnerable to poor outcomes, and susceptible to neurological disease, is incomplete. It is well established that dysregulated and sustained immune responses elicit negative consequences after TBI; however, our understanding of the neuroimmune interface that facilitates crosstalk between central and peripheral immune reservoirs is in its infancy. The meninges serve as the interface between the brain and the immune system, facilitating important bi-directional roles in both healthy and disease settings. It has been previously shown that disruption of this system exacerbates neuroinflammation in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease; however, we have an incomplete understanding of how the meningeal compartment influences immune responses after TBI. In this manuscript, we will offer a detailed overview of the holistic nature of neuroinflammatory responses in TBI, including hallmark features observed across clinical and animal models. We will highlight the structure and function of the meningeal lymphatic system, including its role in immuno-surveillance and immune responses within the meninges and the brain. We will provide a comprehensive update on our current knowledge of meningeal-derived responses across the spectrum of TBI, and identify new avenues for neuroimmune modulation within the neurotrauma field.

The stress-responsive cytotoxic effect of diesel exhaust particles on lymphatic endothelial cells

Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are very small (typically < 0.2 μm) fragments that have become major air pollutants. DEPs are comprised of a carbonaceous core surrounded by organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs. Inhaled DEPs reach the deepest sites in the respiratory system where they could induce respiratory/cardiovascular dysfunction. Additionally, a previous study has revealed that a portion of inhaled DEPs often activate immune cells and subsequently induce somatic inflammation. Moreover, DEPs are known to localize in lymph nodes. Therefore, in this study we explored the effect of DEPs on the lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) that are a constituent of the walls of lymph nodes. DEP exposure induced cell death in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner. Following exposure to DEPs, next-generation sequence (NGS) analysis identified an upregulation of the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway and cell death cascades. Both the soluble and insoluble components of DEPs generated intracellular ROS. Three-dimensional Raman imaging revealed that DEPs are taken up by LECs, which suggests internalized DEP cores produce ROS, as well as soluble DEP components. However, significant cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and parthanatos seem unlikely to be involved in DEP-induced cell death in LECs. This study clarifies how DEPs invading the body might affect the lymphatic system through the induction of cell death in LECs.

Decorin suppresses tumor lymphangiogenesis: A mechanism to curtail cancer progression

The complex interplay between malignant cells and the cellular and molecular components of the tumor stroma is a key aspect of cancer growth and development. These tumor-host interactions are often affected by soluble bioactive molecules such as proteoglycans. Decorin, an archetypical small leucine-rich proteoglycan primarily expressed by stromal cells, affects cancer growth in its soluble form by interacting with several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Overall, decorin leads to a context-dependent and protracted cessation of oncogenic RTK activity by attenuating their ability to drive a prosurvival program and to sustain a proangiogenic network. Through an unbiased transcriptomic analysis using deep RNAseq, we identified that decorin down-regulated a cluster of tumor-associated genes involved in lymphatic vessel (LV) development when systemically delivered to mice harboring breast carcinoma allografts. We found that Lyve1 and Podoplanin, two established markers of LVs, were markedly suppressed at both the mRNA and protein levels, and this suppression correlated with a significant reduction in tumor LVs. We further identified that soluble decorin, but not its homologous proteoglycan biglycan, inhibited LV sprouting in an ex vivo 3D model of lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that decorin interacted with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3), the main lymphatic RTK, and its activity was required for the decorin-mediated block of lymphangiogenesis. Finally, we identified that Lyve1 was in part degraded via decorin-evoked autophagy in a nutrient- and energy-independent manner. These findings implicate decorin as a biological factor with antilymphangiogenic activity and provide a potential therapeutic agent for curtailing breast cancer growth and metastasis.

Quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry reveals inter-patient lymphovascular and immune heterogeneity in primary cutaneous melanoma

Introduction

Quantitative, multiplexed imaging is revealing complex spatial relationships between phenotypically diverse tumor infiltrating leukocyte populations and their prognostic implications. The underlying mechanisms and tissue structures that determine leukocyte distribution within and around tumor nests, however, remain poorly understood. While presumed players in metastatic dissemination, new preclinical data demonstrates that blood and lymphatic vessels (lymphovasculature) also dictate leukocyte trafficking within tumor microenvironments and thereby impact anti-tumor immunity. Here we interrogate these relationships in primary human cutaneous melanoma.

Methods

We established a quantitative, multiplexed imaging platform to simultaneously detect immune infiltrates and tumor-associated vessels in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded patient samples. We performed a discovery, retrospective analysis of 28 treatment-naïve, primary cutaneous melanomas.

Results

Here we find that the lymphvasculature and immune infiltrate is heterogenous across patients in treatment naïve, primary melanoma. We categorized five lymphovascular subtypes that differ by functionality and morphology and mapped their localization in and around primary tumors. Interestingly, the localization of specific vessel subtypes, but not overall vessel density, significantly associated with the presence of lymphoid aggregates, regional progression, and intratumoral T cell infiltrates.

Discussion

We describe a quantitative platform to enable simultaneous lymphovascular and immune infiltrate analysis and map their spatial relationships in primary melanoma. Our data indicate that tumor-associated vessels exist in different states and that their localization may determine potential for metastasis or immune infiltration. This platform will support future efforts to map tumor-associated lymphovascular evolution across stage, assess its prognostic value, and stratify patients for adjuvant therapy.

Role of lymphatic endothelium specific hyaluronan receptor 1 in virus infection and associated diseases

Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) serves as a prominent marker for lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and is pivotal in the process of lymphangiogenesis, a critical factor in cancer development and metastasis. Overexpression of LYVE-1 has been observed in various cancers, where it is recognized as an adverse prognostic indicator. Targeting LYVE-1 has demonstrated inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and the formation of lymph node metastases both in vitro and in vivo. While extensive research has focused on the role of LYVE-1 in cancer cells, its involvement in virus infection and associated diseases remains largely unexplored. This review consolidates recent findings regarding the expression of LYVE-1 and its functions in lymphangiogenesis during various viral infections and the development of related diseases, with a particular emphasis on Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus. Despite the limited available data, it is evident that further studies are essential to comprehensively understand the contribution of LYVE-1 to viral pathogenesis and oncogenesis.

Biomaterial-assisted local oxygenation safeguards the prostimulatory phenotype and functions of human dendritic cells in hypoxia

Dendritic cells (DCs), professional antigen-presenting cells, function as sentinels of the immune system. DCs initiate and fine-tune adaptive immune responses by presenting antigenic peptides to B and T lymphocytes to mount an effective immune response against cancer and pathogens. However, hypoxia, a condition characterized by low oxygen (O2) tension in different tissues, significantly impacts DC functions, including antigen uptake, activation and maturation, migration, as well as T-cell priming and proliferation. In this study, we employed O2-releasing biomaterials (O2-cryogels) to study the effect of localized O2 supply on human DC phenotype and functions. Our results indicate that O2-cryogels effectively mitigate DC exposure to hypoxia under hypoxic conditions. Additionally, O2-cryogels counteract hypoxia-induced inhibition of antigen uptake and migratory activity in DCs through O2 release and hyaluronic acid (HA) mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, O2-cryogels preserve and restore DC maturation and co-stimulation markers, including HLA-DR, CD86, and CD40, along with the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in hypoxic conditions. Finally, our findings demonstrate that the supplemental O2 released from the cryogels preserves DC-mediated T-cell priming, ultimately leading to the activation and proliferation of allogeneic CD3+ T cells. This work emphasizes the potential of local oxygenation as a powerful immunomodulatory agent to improve DC activation and functions in hypoxia, offering new approaches for cancer and infectious disease treatments.

Synthetic hyaluronic acid coating preserves the phenotypes of lymphatic endothelial cells

Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) play a critical role in the formation and maintenance of the lymphatic vasculature, which is essential for the immune system, fluid balance, and tissue repair. However, LECs are often difficult to study in vivo and in vitro models that accurately mimic their behaviors and phenotypes are limited. In particular, LECs have been shown to lose their lymphatic markers over time while being cultured in vitro, which reflect their plasticity and heterogeneity in vivo. Since LECs uniquely express lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), we hypothesized that surface coating with hyaluronic acid (HA) can preserve LEC phenotypes and functionalities. Dopamine conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA-DP) was synthesized with 42% degree of substitution to enable surface modification and conjugation onto standard tissue culture plates. Compared to fibronectin coating and tissue culture plate controls, surface coating with HA-DP was able to preserve lymphatic markers, such as prospero homeobox protein 1 (Prox1), podoplanin (PDPN), and LYVE-1 over several passages in vitro. LECs cultured on HA-DP expressed lower levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and YAP/TAZ, which may be responsible for the maintenance of the lymphatic characteristics. Collectively, the HA-DP coating may provide a novel method for culturing human LECs in vitro toward more representative studies in basic lymphatic biology and lymphatic regeneration.

Dendritic cells in liver transplantation immune response

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most powerful antigen presenting cells (APCs), they are considered one of the key regulatory factors in the liver immune system. There is currently much interest in modulating DC function to improve transplant immune response. In liver transplantation, DCs participate in both the promotion and inhibition of the alloreponse by adopting different phenotypes and function. Thus, in this review, we discussed the origin, maturation, migration and pathological effects of several DC subsets, including the conventional DC (cDC), plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and monocyte-derived DC (Mo-DC) in liver transplantation, and we summarized the roles of these DC subsets in liver transplant rejection and tolerance. In addition, we also outlined the latest progress in DC-based related treatment regimens. Overall, our discussion provides a beneficial resource for better understanding the biology of DCs and their manipulation to improve the immune adaptability of patients in transplant status.

Binding of different hyaluronan to CD44 mediates distinct cell adhesion dynamics under shear flow

As a known receptor-ligand pair for mediating cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix adhesions, cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44)-hyaluronan (HA) interactions are not only determined by molecular weight (MW) diversity of HA, but also are regulated by external physical or mechanical factors. However, the coupling effects of HA MW and shear flow are still unclear. Here, we compared the differences between high molecular weight HA (HHA) and low molecular weight HA (LHA) binding to CD44 under varied shear stresses. The results demonstrated that HHA dominated the binding phase but LHA was in favour of the shear resistance phase, respectively, under shear stress range ≤ 1.0 dyne·cm-2 . This difference was attributed to the high binding strength of the CD44-HHA interaction, as well as the optimal distribution matching between both CD44 and HA sides. Activation of the intracellular signal pathway was sensitive to both HA MW and shear flow. Our findings also indicate that only CD44-HHA interaction under shear stress of 0.2 dyne·cm-2 could significantly enhance the clustering of CD44, as well as induce the increase in both CD44 and CD18 expression. The present study offers the basis for further quantification of the features of CD44-HA interactions and their biological functions.

The novel role of lymphatic vessels in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases

Historically, the eye has been considered as an organ free of lymphatic vessels. In recent years, however, it became evident, that lymphatic vessels or lymphatic-like vessels contribute to several ocular pathologies at various peri- and intraocular locations. The aim of this review is to outline the pathogenetic role of ocular lymphatics, the respective molecular mechanisms and to discuss current and future therapeutic options based thereon. We will give an overview on the vascular anatomy of the healthy ocular surface and the molecular mechanisms contributing to corneal (lymph)angiogenic privilege. In addition, we present (i) current insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms occurring during pathological neovascularization of the cornea triggered e.g. by inflammation or trauma, (ii) the role of lymphatic vessels in different ocular surface pathologies such as dry eye disease, corneal graft rejection, ocular graft versus host disease, allergy, and pterygium, (iii) the involvement of lymphatic vessels in ocular tumors and metastasis, and (iv) the novel role of the lymphatic-like structure of Schlemm's canal in glaucoma. Identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms and of novel modulators of lymphangiogenesis will contribute to the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of ocular diseases associated with pathological lymphangiogenesis in the future. The preclinical data presented here outline novel therapeutic concepts for promoting transplant survival, inhibiting metastasis of ocular tumors, reducing inflammation of the ocular surface, and treating glaucoma. Initial data from clinical trials suggest first success of novel treatment strategies to promote transplant survival based on pretransplant corneal lymphangioregression.

Biomechanical control of lymphatic vessel physiology and functions

The ever-growing research on lymphatic biology has clearly identified lymphatic vessels as key players that maintain human health through their functional roles in tissue fluid homeostasis, immunosurveillance, lipid metabolism and inflammation. It is therefore not surprising that the list of human diseases associated with lymphatic malfunctions has grown larger, including issues beyond lymphedema, a pathology traditionally associated with lymphatic drainage insufficiency. Thus, the discovery of factors and pathways that can promote optimal lymphatic functions may offer new therapeutic options. Accumulating evidence indicates that aside from biochemical factors, biomechanical signals also regulate lymphatic vessel expansion and functions postnatally. Here, we review how mechanical forces induced by fluid shear stress affect the behavior and functions of lymphatic vessels and the mechanisms lymphatic vessels employ to sense and transduce these mechanical cues into biological signals.

Decorin suppresses tumor lymphangiogenesis: A mechanism to curtail cancer progression

The complex interplay between malignant cells and the cellular and molecular components of the tumor stroma is a key aspect of cancer growth and development. These tumor-host interactions are often affected by soluble bioactive molecules such as proteoglycans. Decorin, an archetypical small leucine-rich proteoglycan primarily expressed by stromal cells, affects cancer growth in its soluble form by interacting with several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Overall, decorin leads to a context-dependent and protracted cessation of oncogenic RTK activity by attenuating their ability to drive a pro-survival program and to sustain a pro-angiogenic network. Through an unbiased transcriptomic analysis using deep RNAseq, we discovered that decorin downregulated a cluster of tumor-associated genes involved in lymphatic vessel development when systemically delivered to mice harboring breast carcinoma allografts. We found that Lyve1 and Podoplanin, two established markers of lymphatic vessels, were markedly suppressed at both the mRNA and protein levels and this suppression correlated with a significant reduction in tumor lymphatic vessels. We further discovered that soluble decorin, but not its homologous proteoglycan biglycan, inhibited lymphatic vessel sprouting in an ex vivo 3D model of lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that decorin interacted with VEGFR3, the main lymphatic RTK, and its activity was required for the decorin-mediated block of lymphangiogenesis. Finally, we discovered that Lyve1 was in part degraded via decorin-evoked autophagy in a nutrient- and energy-independent manner. These findings implicate decorin as a new biological factor with anti-lymphangiogenic activity and provide a potential therapeutic agent for curtailing breast cancer growth and metastasis.

Immune cells as messengers from the CNS to the periphery: the role of the meningeal lymphatic system in immune cell migration from the CNS

In recent decades there has been a large focus on understanding the mechanisms of peripheral immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) in neuroinflammatory diseases. This intense research led to several immunomodulatory therapies to attempt to regulate immune cell infiltration at the blood brain barrier (BBB), the choroid plexus (ChP) epithelium, and the glial barrier. The fate of these infiltrating immune cells depends on both the neuroinflammatory environment and their type-specific interactions with innate cells of the CNS. Although the fate of the majority of tissue infiltrating immune cells is death, a percentage of these cells could become tissue resident immune cells. Additionally, key populations of immune cells can possess the ability to "drain" out of the CNS and act as messengers reporting signals from the CNS toward peripheral lymphatics. Recent data supports that the meningeal lymphatic system is involved not just in fluid homeostatic functions in the CNS but also in facilitating immune cell migration, most notably dendritic cell migration from the CNS to the meningeal borders and to the draining cervical lymph nodes. Similar to the peripheral sites, draining immune cells from the CNS during neuroinflammation have the potential to coordinate immunity in the lymph nodes and thus influence disease. Here in this review, we will evaluate evidence of immune cell drainage from the brain via the meningeal lymphatics and establish the importance of this in animal models and humans. We will discuss how targeting immune cells at sites like the meningeal lymphatics could provide a new mechanism to better provide treatment for a variety of neurological conditions.

Endothelial Cell Response in Kawasaki Disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) share some clinical manifestations, their cardiovascular outcomes are different, and this may be reflected at the level of the endothelial cell (EC). We performed RNA-seq on cultured ECs incubated with pre-treatment sera from KD (n = 5), MIS-C (n = 7), and healthy controls (n = 3). We conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using 935 transcripts differentially expressed between MIS-C and KD using relaxed filtering (unadjusted p < 0.05, >1.1-fold difference). We found seven gene modules in MIS-C, annotated as an increased TNFα/NFκB pathway, decreased EC homeostasis, anti-inflammation and immune response, translation, and glucocorticoid responsive genes and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). To further understand the difference in the EC response between MIS-C and KD, stringent filtering was applied to identify 41 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between MIS-C and KD (adjusted p < 0.05, >2-fold-difference). Again, in MIS-C, NFκB pathway genes, including nine pro-survival genes, were upregulated. The expression levels were higher in the genes influencing autophagy (UBD, EBI3, and SQSTM1). Other DEGs also supported the finding by WGCNA. Compared to KD, ECs in MIS-C had increased pro-survival transcripts but reduced transcripts related to EndoMT and EC homeostasis. These differences in the EC response may influence the different cardiovascular outcomes in these two diseases.

Lessons of Vascular Specialization From Secondary Lymphoid Organ Lymphatic Endothelial Cells

Secondary lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes, harbor highly specialized and compartmentalized niches. These niches are optimized to facilitate the encounter of naive lymphocytes with antigens and antigen-presenting cells, enabling optimal generation of adaptive immune responses. Lymphatic vessels of lymphoid organs are uniquely specialized to perform a staggering variety of tasks. These include antigen presentation, directing the trafficking of immune cells but also modulating immune cell activation and providing factors for their survival. Recent studies have provided insights into the molecular basis of such specialization, opening avenues for better understanding the mechanisms of immune-vascular interactions and their applications. Such knowledge is essential for designing better treatments for human diseases given the central role of the immune system in infection, aging, tissue regeneration and repair. In addition, principles established in studies of lymphoid organ lymphatic vessel functions and organization may be applied to guide our understanding of specialization of vascular beds in other organs.

Hyaluronan and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling—Novel Cues from the Matrix?

Hyaluronan (HA) is a naturally occurring non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) localized to the cell surface and the tissue extracellular matrix (ECM). It is composed of disaccharides containing glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, is synthesized by the HA synthase (HAS) enzymes and is degraded by hyaluronidase (HYAL) or reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) actions. HA is deposited as a high molecular weight (HMW) polymer and degraded to low molecular weight (LMW) fragments and oligosaccharides. HA affects biological functions by interacting with HA-binding proteins (hyaladherins). HMW HA is anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiangiogenic, whereas LMW HA has pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenetic, and oncogenic effects. ROS/RNS naturally degrade HMW HA, albeit at enhanced levels during tissue injury and inflammatory processes. Thus, the degradation of endothelial glycocalyx HA by increased ROS challenges vascular integrity and can initiate several disease progressions. Conversely, HA exerts a vital role in wound healing through ROS-mediated HA modifications, which affect the innate immune system. The normal turnover of HA protects against matrix rigidification. Insufficient turnover leads to increased tissue rigidity, leading to tissue dysfunction. Both endogenous and exogenous HMW HA have a scavenging capacity against ROS. The interactions of ROS/RNS with HA are more complex than presently perceived and present an important research topic.

RNA-Seq Study on the Longissimus thoracis Muscle of Italian Large White Pigs Fed Extruded Linseed with or without Antioxidants and Polyphenols

The addition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) to the swine diet increases their content in muscle cells, and the additional supplementation of antioxidants promotes their oxidative stability. However, to date, the functionality of these components within muscle tissue is not well understood. Using a published RNA-seq dataset and a selective workflow, the study aimed to find the differences in gene expression and investigate how differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were implicated in the cellular composition and metabolism of muscle tissue of 48 Italian Large White pigs under different dietary conditions. A functional enrichment analysis of DEGs, using Cytoscape, revealed that the diet enriched with extruded linseed and supplemented with vitamin E and selenium promoted a more rapid and massive immune system response because the overall function of muscle tissue was improved, while those enriched with extruded linseed and supplemented with grape skin and oregano extracts promoted the presence and oxidative stability of n-3 PUFAs, increasing the anti-inflammatory potential of the muscular tissue.

Developmental diversity and unique sensitivity to injury of lung endothelial subtypes during postnatal growth

At birth, the lung is still immature, heightening susceptibility to injury but enhancing regenerative capacity. Angiogenesis drives postnatal lung development. Therefore, we profiled the transcriptional ontogeny and sensitivity to injury of pulmonary endothelial cells (EC) during early postnatal life. Although subtype speciation was evident at birth, immature lung EC exhibited transcriptomes distinct from mature counterparts, which progressed dynamically over time. Gradual, temporal changes in aerocyte capillary EC (CAP2) contrasted with more marked alterations in general capillary EC (CAP1) phenotype, including distinct CAP1 present only in the early alveolar lung expressing Peg3, a paternally imprinted transcription factor. Hyperoxia, an injury that impairs angiogenesis induced both common and unique endothelial gene signatures, dysregulated capillary EC crosstalk, and suppressed CAP1 proliferation while stimulating venous EC proliferation. These data highlight the diversity, transcriptomic evolution, and pleiotropic responses to injury of immature lung EC, possessing broad implications for lung development and injury across the lifespan.

The extracellular matrix and the immune system: A mutually dependent relationship

For decades, immunologists have studied the role of circulating immune cells in host protection, with a more recent appreciation of immune cells resident within the tissue microenvironment and the intercommunication between nonhematopoietic cells and immune cells. However, the extracellular matrix (ECM), which comprises at least a third of tissue structures, remains relatively underexplored in immunology. Similarly, matrix biologists often overlook regulation of complex structural matrices by the immune system. We are only beginning to understand the scale at which ECM structures determine immune cell localization and function. Additionally, we need to better understand how immune cells dictate ECM complexity. This review aims to highlight the potential for biological discovery at the interface of immunology and matrix biology.

Regulating Lymphatic Vasculature in Fibrosis: Understanding the Biology to Improve the Modeling

Fibrosis occurs in many chronic diseases with lymphatic vascular insufficiency (e.g., kidney disease, tumors, and lymphedema). New lymphatic capillary growth can be triggered by fibrosis-related tissue stiffening and soluble factors, but questions remain for how related biomechanical, biophysical, and biochemical cues affect lymphatic vascular growth and function. The current preclinical standard for studying lymphatics is animal modeling, but in vitro and in vivo outcomes often do not align. In vitro models can also be limited in their ability to separate vascular growth and function as individual outcomes, and fibrosis is not traditionally included in model design. Tissue engineering provides an opportunity to address in vitro limitations and mimic microenvironmental features that impact lymphatic vasculature. This review discusses fibrosis-related lymphatic vascular growth and function in disease and the current state of in vitro lymphatic vascular models while highlighting relevant knowledge gaps. Additional insights into the future of in vitro lymphatic vascular models demonstrate how prioritizing fibrosis alongside lymphatics will help capture the complexity and dynamics of lymphatics in disease. Overall, this review aims to emphasize that an advanced understanding of lymphatics within a fibrotic disease-enabled through more accurate preclinical modeling-will significantly impact therapeutic development toward restoring lymphatic vessel growth and function in patients.

Double Blast Wave Primary Effect on Synaptic, Glymphatic, Myelin, Neuronal and Neurovascular Markers

Explosive blasts are associated with neurological consequences as a result of blast waves impact on the brain. Yet, the neuropathologic and molecular consequences due to blast waves vs. blunt-TBI are not fully understood. An explosive-driven blast-generating system was used to reproduce blast wave exposure and examine pathological and molecular changes generated by primary wave effects of blast exposure. We assessed if pre- and post-synaptic (synaptophysin, PSD-95, spinophilin, GAP-43), neuronal (NF-L), glymphatic (LYVE1, podoplanin), myelin (MBP), neurovascular (AQP4, S100β, PDGF) and genomic (DNA polymerase-β, RNA polymerase II) markers could be altered across different brain regions of double blast vs. sham animals. Twelve male rats exposed to two consecutive blasts were compared to 12 control/sham rats. Western blot, ELISA, and immunofluorescence analyses were performed across the frontal cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, and brainstem. The results showed altered levels of AQP4, S100β, DNA-polymerase-β, PDGF, synaptophysin and PSD-95 in double blast vs. sham animals in most of the examined regions. These data indicate that blast-generated changes are preferentially associated with neurovascular, glymphatic, and DNA repair markers, especially in the brainstem. Moreover, these changes were not accompanied by behavioral changes and corroborate the hypothesis for which an asymptomatic altered status is caused by repeated blast exposures.

Hyaluronan Receptors as Mediators and Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and complex matter shaped by heterogenous cancer and cancer-associated cells present at the tumor site. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major TME component that plays pro-tumorigenic and carcinogenic functions. These functions are mediated by different hyaladherins expressed by cancer and tumor-associated cells triggering downstream signaling pathways that determine cell fate and contribute to TME progression toward a carcinogenic state. Here, the interaction of HA is reviewed with several cell-surface hyaladherins-CD44, RHAMM, TLR2 and 4, LYVE-1, HARE, and layilin. The signaling pathways activated by these interactions and the respective response of different cell populations within the TME, and the modulation of the TME, are discussed. Potential cancer therapies via targeting these interactions are also briefly discussed.

'Two-faces' of hyaluronan, a dynamic barometer of disease progression in tumor microenvironment

Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear polysaccharide consisting of disaccharide units which are the D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. As the largest component of the extracellular matrix in microenvironment, HA polymers with different molecular weights vary in properties to molecular biology function. High molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) is mainly found in normal tissue or physiological condition, and exhibits lubrication and protection properties due to its good water retention and viscoelasticity. On the other hand, an increase in HA catabolism leads to the accumulation of low molecular weight HA (LMW-HA) under pathological circumstances such as inflammation, pre-cancerous and tumor microenvironment. LMW-HA acts as extracellular signals to enhance tumorigenic and metastatic phenotype, such as energy reprogramming, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This review discusses the basic properties of this simplest carbohydrate molecule in ECM with enormous potential, and its regulatory role between tumorigenesis and microenvironmental homeostasis. The extensive discoveries of the mechanisms underlying the roles of HA in various physiological and pathological processes would provide more information for future research in the fields of biomimetic materials, pharmaceutical and clinical applications.

Extracellular Vesicles Are Important Mediators That Regulate Tumor Lymph Node Metastasis via the Immune System

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are particles with a lipid bilayer structure, and they are secreted by various cells in the body. EVs interact with and modulate the biological functions of recipient cells by transporting their cargoes, such as nucleic acids and proteins. EVs influence various biological phenomena, including disease progression. They also participate in tumor progression by stimulating a variety of signaling pathways and regulating immune system activation. EVs induce immune tolerance by suppressing CD8⁺ T-cell activation or polarizing macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, which results in tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, immune checkpoint molecules are also expressed on the surface of EVs that are secreted by tumors that express these molecules, allowing tumor cells to not only evade immune cell attack but also acquire resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. During tumor metastasis, EVs contribute to microenvironmental changes in distant organs before metastatic lesions appear; thus, EVs establish a premetastatic niche. In particular, lymph nodes are adjacent organs that are connected to tumor lesions via lymph vessels, so that tumor cells metastasize to draining lymph nodes at first, such as sentinel lymph nodes. When EVs influence the microenvironment of lymph nodes, which are secondary lymphoid tissues, the immune response against tumor cells is weakened; subsequently, tumor cells spread throughout the body. In this review, we will discuss the association between EVs and tumor progression via the immune system as well as the clinical application of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.

The markers to delineate different phenotypes of macrophages related to metabolic disorders

Macrophages have a wide variety of roles in physiological and pathological conditions, making them promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets in diseases, especially metabolic disorders, which have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Owing to their heterogeneity and polarization, the phenotypes and functions of macrophages related to metabolic disorders are diverse and complicated. In the past three decades, the rapid progress of macrophage research has benefited from the emergence of specific molecular markers to delineate different phenotypes of macrophages and elucidate their role in metabolic disorders. In this review, we analyze the functions and applications of commonly used and novel markers of macrophages related to metabolic disorders, facilitating the better use of these macrophage markers in metabolic disorder research.

siRNA delivery to lymphatic endothelial cells via ApoE-mediated uptake by lipid nanoparticles

Systemically administered lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are complexed with Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in the bloodstream, and the complex is subsequently largely taken up by hepatocytes. Based on a previous report showing that, like blood, lymph fluid also contains ApoE, and that LECs, in turn, expresses a low density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which is the receptor responsible for the ApoE-bound LNP, we hypothesized that subcutaneously administered LNPs would be taken up by LECs via an ApoE-LDLR pathway. Our in vitro studies using immortal LECs that we established in a previous study showed that LEC indeed took up LNPs in an ApoE-dependent manner. We then reported on the development of LNPs that target the lymphatic endothelium for in vivo siRNA delivery after subcutaneous administration. The key to success for in vivo LEC targeting is that the surface needs to be modified with a high density of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated lipids with short acyl chains (C14). The LNPs were drained into the lymphatic system, and then accumulated in lymphatic endothelial cells in an ApoE-dependent manner, most likely after the release of the PEG-lipid. Subcutaneous administration of optimized LNPs containing encapsulated siRNA against VEGFR3, a marker of LECs, significantly inhibited the expression of VEGFR3. These findings are the first report of a simple straightforward strategy for targeting lymphatic endothelial cells by using ionizable lipid-formulated LNPs.

Lyve-1 deficiency enhances the hepatic immune microenvironment entailing altered susceptibility to melanoma liver metastasis

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronan receptor LYVE-1 is expressed by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), lymphatic endothelial cells and specialized macrophages. Besides binding to hyaluronan, LYVE-1 can mediate adhesion of leukocytes and cancer cells to endothelial cells. Here, we assessed the impact of LYVE-1 on physiological liver functions and metastasis.

METHODS

Mice with deficiency of Lyve-1 (Lyve-1-KO) were analyzed using histology, immunofluorescence, microarray analysis, plasma proteomics and flow cytometry. Liver metastasis was studied by intrasplenic/intravenous injection of melanoma (B16F10 luc2, WT31) or colorectal carcinoma (MC38).

RESULTS

Hepatic architecture, liver size, endothelial differentiation and angiocrine functions were unaltered in Lyve-1-KO. Hyaluronan plasma levels were significantly increased in Lyve-1-KO. Besides, plasma proteomics revealed increased carbonic anhydrase-2 and decreased FXIIIA. Furthermore, gene expression analysis of LSEC indicated regulation of immunological pathways. Therefore, liver metastasis of highly and weakly immunogenic tumors, i.e. melanoma and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), was analyzed. Hepatic metastasis of B16F10 luc2 and WT31 melanoma cells, but not MC38 CRC cells, was significantly reduced in Lyve-1-KO mice. In vivo retention assays with B16F10 luc2 cells were unaltered between Lyve-1-KO and control mice. However, in tumor-free Lyve-1-KO livers numbers of hepatic CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and regulatory T cells were increased. In addition, iron deposition was found in F4/80⁺ liver macrophages known to exert pro-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

Lyve-1 deficiency controlled hepatic metastasis in a tumor cell-specific manner leading to reduced growth of hepatic metastases of melanoma, but not CRC. Anti-tumorigenic effects are likely due to enhancement of the premetastatic hepatic immune microenvironment influencing early liver metastasis formation.

How cell migration helps immune sentinels

The immune system relies on the migratory capacity of its cellular components, which must be mobile in order to defend the host from invading micro-organisms or malignant cells. This applies in particular to immune sentinels from the myeloid lineage, i.e. macrophages and dendritic cells. Cell migration is already at work during mammalian early development, when myeloid cell precursors migrate from the yolk sac, an extra embryonic structure, to colonize tissues and form the pool of tissue-resident macrophages. Later, this is accompanied by a migration wave of precursors and monocytes from the bone marrow to secondary lymphoid organs and the peripheral tissues. They differentiate into DCs and monocyte-derived macrophages. During adult life, cell migration endows immune cells with the ability to patrol their environment as well as to circulate between peripheral tissues and lymphoid organs. Hence migration of immune cells is key to building an efficient defense system for an organism. In this review, we will describe how cell migratory capacity regulates the various stages in the life of myeloid cells from development to tissue patrolling, and migration to lymph nodes. We will focus on the role of the actin cytoskeletal machinery and its regulators, and how it contributes to the establishment and function of the immune system.

Leukocyte Trafficking in Lymphatic Vessels

To ensure proper immune function, most leukocytes constantly move within tissues or between them using the blood and lymphatic vessels as transport routes. While afferent lymphatic vessels transfer leukocytes from peripheral tissues to draining lymph nodes (dLNs), efferent lymphatics return lymphocytes from LNs back into the blood vascular circulation. Over the last decades, great progress has been made in our understanding of leukocyte migration into and within the lymphatic compartment, leading to the approval of new drugs targeting this process. In this review, we first introduce the anatomy of the lymphatic vasculature and the main cell types migrating through lymphatics. We primarily focus on dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, the most prominent lymph-borne cell types, and discuss the functional significance as well as the main molecules and steps involved in their migration. Additionally, we provide an overview of the different techniques used to study lymphatic trafficking.

Contributions of PD-L1 reverse signaling to dendritic cell trafficking

Programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interactions are critical for dampening the immune response to both self and foreign antigens. The signaling of PD-L1 via its cytoplasmic domain, rather than through its interactions with PD-1 via the extracellular domain, has been termed PD-L1 reverse signaling. While this signaling is beneficial for cancer progression, little is understood about the consequences of PD-L1 reverse signaling in immune cells that express PD-L1 at steady state or in response to infection. Loss of PD-L1 during infection leads to unchecked T-cell proliferation and increased autoimmune T-cell responses. While the T-cell intrinsic role of PD-1 for inhibiting T-cell responses has been well explored, little to no effort has been directed at investigating the consequences of PD-L1 reverse signaling on the DCs interacting with PD-1+ T cells. We recently reported a defect in dendritic cell (DC) trafficking from the skin to the draining lymph node (LN) following immunization or infection in the absence of PD-L1. We demonstrated that a region within the cytoplasmic tail was responsible for the defect in DC trafficking. Here, we review the processes involved in DC trafficking and highlight what we know about PD-L1 expression, PD-L1 post-translational modifications, PD-L1 intracellular interactions, and PD-L1 extracellular interactions.

Targeted delivery of lipid nanoparticle to lymphatic endothelial cells via anti-podoplanin antibody

Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) that form lymphatic vessels play a pivotal role in immune regulation. It was recently reported that LECs suppress the antigen-dependent anti-tumor immunity in cancer tissues. Thus, regulating the function of LECs is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The objective of this study was to develop a method for the selective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to LECs. For this purpose, the siRNA was formulated into nanoparticles (LNPs) to prevent them from being degraded in body fluids and to facilitate their penetration of the cell membrane. A breakthrough technology for achieving this is ONPATTRO®, a world's first siRNA drug. Since LNPs are taken up by hepatocytes relatively well via low-density lipoprotein receptors, most of the LNP systems that have been developed so far target hepatocytes. In this study, we report on the development of a new method for the rapid and convenient method for modifying LNPs with antibodies using the CLick reaction on the Interface of the nanoParticle (CLIP). The CLIP approach was faster and more versatile than the conventional method using amide coupling. As a demonstration, we report on the LEC-targeted siRNA delivery by using antibody-modified LNPs both in vitro and in vivo. The method used for the modification of LNPs is highly promising and has the potential for expanding the LNP-based delivery of nucleic acids in the future.

The Internal Conduit System of the Swine Inverted Lymph Node

Lymph nodes (LN) are the crossroad where naïve lymphocytes, peripheral antigens and antigen presenting cells contact together in order to mount an adaptive immune response. For this purpose, LN are highly organized convergent hubs of blood and lymphatic vessels that, in the case of B lymphocytes, lead to the B cell follicles. Herein take place the selection and maturation of B cell clones producing high affinity antibodies directed against various antigens. Whereas the knowledge on the murine and human LN distribution systems have reached an exquisite precision those last years, the organization of the antigens and cells circulation into the inverted porcine LN remains poorly described. Using up to date microscopy tools, we described the complex interconnections between afferent lymphatics and blood vessels, perifollicular macrophages, follicular B cells and efferent blood vessels. We observed that afferent lymphatic sinuses presented an asymmetric Lyve-1 expression similar to the one observed in murine LN, whereas specialized perifollicular sinuses connect the main afferent lymphatic sinus to the B cell follicles. Finally, whereas it was long though that mature B cells egress from the inverted LN in the T cell zone through HEV, our observations are in agreement with mature B cells accessing the efferent blood circulation in the efferent, subcapsular area. This understanding of the inverted porcine LN circuitry will allow a more accurate exploration of swine pathogens interactions with the immune cells inside the LN structures. Moreover, the mix between similarities and differences of porcine inverted LN circuitry with mouse and human normal LN shall enable to better apprehend the functions and malfunctions of normal LN from a new perspective.

Hyaladherins May be Implicated in Alcohol-Induced Susceptibility to Bacterial Pneumonia

Although the epidemiology of bacterial pneumonia and excessive alcohol use is well established, the mechanisms by which alcohol induces risk of pneumonia are less clear. Patterns of alcohol misuse, termed alcohol use disorders (AUD), affect about 15 million people in the United States. Compared to otherwise healthy individuals, AUD increase the risk of respiratory infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by 2-4-fold. Levels and fragmentation of hyaluronic acid (HA), an extracellular glycosaminoglycan of variable molecular weight, are increased in chronic respiratory diseases, including ARDS. HA is largely involved in immune-assisted wound repair and cell migration. Levels of fragmented, low molecular weight HA are increased during inflammation and decrease concomitant with leukocyte levels following injury. In chronic respiratory diseases, levels of fragmented HA and leukocytes remain elevated, inflammation persists, and respiratory infections are not cleared efficiently, suggesting a possible pathological mechanism for prolonged bacterial pneumonia. However, the role of HA in alcohol-induced immune dysfunction is largely unknown. This mini literature review provides insights into understanding the role of HA signaling in host immune defense following excessive alcohol use. Potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate alcohol-induced immune suppression in bacterial pneumonia and HA dysregulation are also discussed.

On vasa vasorum: A history of advances in understanding the vessels of vessels

The vasa vasorum are a vital microvascular network supporting the outer wall of larger blood vessels. Although these dynamic microvessels have been studied for centuries, the importance and impact of their functions in vascular health and disease are not yet fully realized. There is now rich knowledge regarding what local progenitor cell populations comprise and cohabitate with the vasa vasorum and how they might contribute to physiological and pathological changes in the network or its expansion via angiogenesis or vasculogenesis. Evidence of whether vasa vasorum remodeling incites or governs disease progression or is a consequence of cardiovascular pathologies remains limited. Recent advances in vasa vasorum imaging for understanding cardiovascular disease severity and pathophysiology open the door for theranostic opportunities. Approaches that strive to control angiogenesis and vasculogenesis potentiate mitigation of vasa vasorum-mediated contributions to cardiovascular diseases and emerging diseases involving the microcirculation.