Restorative and rejection-associated lymphangiogenesis after renal transplantation: friend or foe?

Abstract

The review focuses on lymphangiogenesis as a possible contributor to interstitial fibrosis leading to chronic renal transplant injury, which culminates in the loss of 5% transplants annually. The process of lymphatic reconnection after renal transplantation and the mechanisms and mediators of lymphangiogenesis are explored in the context of new specific lymphatic markers. In addition, potentially exciting research avenues are examined, with the specific aim of determining whether new lymphatic formation is beneficial or detrimental to the transplanted kidney.