Growing lymph vessels with macrophages? Surprisingly, yes!
5th Sep 2005, 14:30 GMT
When the cornea is inflamed, blood and lymphatic vessels grow into this normally avascular area. In a JCI study scientists find that innate immune cells, in particular macrophages, contribute to this vessel formation during abnormal corneal conditions. This suggests a new mechanism of the formation of lymph vessels, where macrophages are responsible during inflammation. A related commentary says, "macrophages support lymphangiogenesis either by transdifferentiating and directly incorporating into the endothelial layer or by stimulating division of preexistent local lymphatic endothelial cells."
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