Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Immunity and Gastrointestinal Disease: A Role for Lymphatic Vessels

Ryan Mathias and Pierre-Yves von der Weid

The lymphatic system comprises a series of vessels that operate together to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis as well as traffic nutrients and immune cells throughout the body. Immune cell trafficking is an important and often overlooked function of the lymphatic system and over the years, data has amassed which supports its vital role in a healthy immune system. An intact lymphatic system is not only involved in activation of the immune system in response to a pathogen, it is also involved ensuring that the body does not exaggerate responses to otherwise benign molecules encountered every day. Nowhere is this pivotal role for the lymphatics more apparent that in the gastrointestinal system, an organ system that is assaulted daily with antigens and potential disease-causing pathogens. Dysfunctional lymphatic systems have been reported in patients in which uncontrolled inflammation and exaggerated immune responses occur; inflammatory bowel disease is one such disease. Animal models lend support to the role the lymphatic system plays in modulating inflammation and trafficking of immune cells to lymph nodes. New evidence even suggests lymphatics may play a role in food allergies. This review aims to highlight some of the recent evidence emerging with respect to lymphatic system involvement in intestinal inflammation, immune cell trafficking and food allergies.