Lymphatic endothelial cells attenuate inflammation via suppression of dendritic cell maturation


Date

2016

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)-induced lymphangiogenesis and increased tissue drainage have been reported to inhibit acute and chronic inflammation, and an activated lymphatic endothelium might mediate peripheral tolerance. Using transgenic mice overexpressing VEGF-C in the skin, we found that under inflammatory conditions, VEGF-C-mediated expansion of the cutaneous lymphatic network establishes an immune-inhibitory microenvironment characterised by increased regulatory T (Treg) cells, immature CD11c+CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8+ cells exhibiting decreased effector function. Strikingly, lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-conditioned media (CM) potently suppress DC maturation with reduced expression of MHCII, CD40, and IL-6, and increased IL-10 and CCL2 expression. We identify an imbalance in prostaglandin synthase expression after LEC activation, favoring anti-inflammatory prostacyclin synthesis. Importantly, blockade of LEC prostaglandin synthesis partially restores DC maturity. LECs also produce TGF-ß1, contributing to the immune-inhibitory microenvironment. This study identifies novel mechanisms by which the lymphatic endothelium modulates cellular immune responses to limit inflammation.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Journal / series

Volume

7 (26)

Pages / Article No.

39421 - 39435

Publisher

Impact Journals

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

inflammation; lymphangiogenesis; VEGF-C; Immunology and Microbiology Section; Immune response; Immunity

Organisational unit

03683 - Detmar, Michael (emeritus) / Detmar, Michael (emeritus) check_circle

Notes

Funding

147087 - Molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in inflammation and cancer progression (SNF)

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