Th2 cytokines inhibit lymphangiogenesis. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Lymphangiogenesis is the process by which new lymphatic vessels grow in response to pathologic stimuli such as wound healing, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. It is well-recognized that growth factors and cytokines regulate lymphangiogenesis by promoting or inhibiting lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) proliferation, migration and differentiation. Our group has shown that the expression of T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines is markedly increased in lymphedema, and that these cytokines inhibit lymphatic function by increasing fibrosis and promoting changes in the extracellular matrix. However, while the evidence supporting a role for T cells and Th2 cytokines as negative regulators of lymphatic function is clear, the direct effects of Th2 cytokines on isolated LECs remains poorly understood. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we show that physiologic doses of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) have profound anti-lymphangiogenic effects and potently impair LEC survival, proliferation, migration, and tubule formation. Inhibition of these cytokines with targeted monoclonal antibodies in the cornea suture model specifically increases inflammatory lymphangiogenesis without concomitant changes in angiogenesis. These findings suggest that manipulation of anti-lymphangiogenic pathways may represent a novel and potent means of improving lymphangiogenesis.

publication date

  • June 3, 2015

Research

keywords

  • Endothelial Cells
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-4
  • Lymphangiogenesis
  • Th2 Cells

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC4454507

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84935848299

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/ncomms7196

PubMed ID

  • 26039103

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 10

issue

  • 6