AUTHOR=Liu Hanyu , Liu Lu , Zhang Yuheng , Tian Qi , Ding Zhangfan , Chen Junyu , Kusumbe Anjali P. 

TITLE=Lymphatic-immune interactions in the musculoskeletal system

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1578847

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2025.1578847

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=Traditionally, the role of lymphatic vessels has been understood as primarily involving fluid transport and immune surveillance. In addition to these roles, recent studies have revealed a paracrine function of lymphatics through the dissemination of inductive factors, known as lymphangiocrine signals including in musculoskeletal physiology and diseases. These signals play diverse roles, including maintaining tissue equilibrium and facilitating regeneration. Impaired lymphangiocrine signaling and lymphatic function are features of musculoskeletal diseases. This review summarizes dysregulation of lymphatic vessels and interactions with immune cells during musculoskeletal diseases. Further, this review provides insights into lymphangiocrine signals as a potential therapeutic target.