New Lymphology Combined with Lymphatic Physiology, Innate Immunology, and Oncology

A special issue of Lymphatics (ISSN 2813-3307).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2025 | Viewed by 962

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
Interests: lymphology; lymphatic physiology; lymphatic functions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As lymphatic functions, it is well known that the transport and drainage of hydrophilic substances including plasma protein through the lymphatic system play pivotal roles in maintaining the homeostasis of the internal environment between the cells in tissues in collaboration with the exchange of the substances through the blood capillaries and venules. The physiological functions of the lymphatic system have been studied by many investigators of microcirculation. On the other hand, it is also well known that the initial clinical signs of primary diseases such as inflammation, tumors, and circulatory disorders including infarction and thrombosis appear as functional abnormalities of the internal environment in tissues. These abnormalities of the functions are strongly related to immunological defense reactions around the internal environment and abnormal actions of the transport and drainage of the lymphatic system. Taking into consideration the current findings in lymphatic physiology, innate immunology, and oncology, we have proposed a new lymphology combined with new knowledge of the three above-mentioned academic fields from a defense mechanism point of view. In this Special Issue, we would like to demonstrate comprehensive studies related to the possibility of establishing a new lymphology.

Prof. Dr. Toshio Ohhashi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • lymphatic system
  • lymphatic functions
  • new lymphology
  • innate immunology
  • defense mechanism

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 10251 KiB  
Article
Specific Position of the Pulmonary Hilar Node in Cancer Immunity: Immunohistochemical and Morphometrical Study Using Lung Regional Nodes Obtained from Non-Small Cell Cancer Patients Without Metastasis
by Masaya Aoki, Go Kamimura, Aya Harada-Takeda, Toshiyuki Nagata, Gen Murakami and Kazuhiro Ueda
Lymphatics 2025, 3(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/lymphatics3020013 - 21 May 2025
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Abstract
Background: Nodal dendritic cells (DCs) and CD169-positive macrophages, possibly monocyte-derived, cross-present cancer antigens earlier in the proximal node than in the distal node. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical and morphometric analyses to show differences in the distributions of DC-SIGN-, CD68-, and CD169-positive cells in [...] Read more.
Background: Nodal dendritic cells (DCs) and CD169-positive macrophages, possibly monocyte-derived, cross-present cancer antigens earlier in the proximal node than in the distal node. Methods: We performed immunohistochemical and morphometric analyses to show differences in the distributions of DC-SIGN-, CD68-, and CD169-positive cells in the paratracheal, subcarinal, and hilar nodes from 25 non-small cell lung cancer patients without metastasis. Results: CD169-positive and DC-SIGN-positive cells were colocalized in the subcapsular and paracortical sinuses, whereas CD68-positive, self-renewal alveolar macrophages were present in the medullary sinus. This complementary distribution was more evident in nodes other than hilar nodes. In hilar nodes, the proportion of CD68-positive macrophages usually exceeds 50%. Notably, the proportion of the overlapped cluster between CD169-positive cells and DC-SIGN-positive cells, which likely corresponds to the cross-presentation activity, was almost the same between the hilar and “next-upstream” node (i.e., the paratracheal node for the upper lobe and the subcarinal node for the lower lobe). Monocyte-derived cells occupied a significantly larger area in the hilar nodes of patients with upper lobe cancer than in patients with lower lobe cancer (p = 0.002–0.009). Conclusion: The specific site occupying the lung hilum with collateral vessels seemed to determine the hilar node composite cells. Full article
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Review

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28 pages, 10485 KiB  
Review
Advances and Techniques in Medical Imaging and Minimally Invasive Interventions for Disorders of the Central Conducting and Mesenteric Lymphatic System
by Frederic J. Bertino and Kin Fen Kevin Fung
Lymphatics 2025, 3(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/lymphatics3010008 - 19 Mar 2025
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Abstract
The central conducting lymphatics (CCL) and mesenteric lymphatic systems are responsible for lipid absorption, fluid regulation, and protein delivery into the bloodstream. Disruptions in these systems can result in debilitating conditions such as chylothorax, plastic bronchitis, post-operative lymphocele, protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), and chylous [...] Read more.
The central conducting lymphatics (CCL) and mesenteric lymphatic systems are responsible for lipid absorption, fluid regulation, and protein delivery into the bloodstream. Disruptions in these systems can result in debilitating conditions such as chylothorax, plastic bronchitis, post-operative lymphocele, protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), and chylous ascites. Advances in imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL), computed tomography lymphangiography (CTL), and fluoroscopic lymphangiography, allow for detailed anatomic and functional evaluation of the lymphatic system, facilitating accurate diagnosis and intervention by interventional radiologists. This review explores the embryology, anatomy, and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system and discusses imaging modalities and interventional techniques employed to manage disorders of the conducting lymphatics in the chest and abdomen. Thoracic duct embolization (TDE), percutaneous transhepatic lymphatic embolization (PTLE), and sclerotherapy are highlighted as effective, minimally invasive approaches to treat lymphatic leaks and obstructions and have shown high success rates in reducing symptoms and improving patient outcomes, particularly when medical management fails. This review seeks to demonstrate how anatomical imaging can facilitate minimally invasive procedures to rectify disorders of lymphatic flow. Full article
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