Development and aging of the lymphatic vascular system

Abstract

The lymphatic vasculature has a pivotal role in regulating body fluid homeostasis, immune surveillance and dietary fat absorption. The increasing number of in vitro and in vivo studies in the last decades has shed light on the processes of lymphatic vascular development and function. Here, we will discuss the current progress in lymphatic vascular biology such as the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic vascular maturation and maintenance and the emerging mechanisms of lymphatic vascular aging.

Keywords: Aging; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs); Lymphatic vascular specialization and maturation.