Lymphatics in Human Lymphatic Filariasis: In Vitro Models of Parasite-Induced Lymphatic Remodeling

S Bennuru, TB Nutman - Lymphatic research and biology, 2009 - liebertpub.com
S Bennuru, TB Nutman
Lymphatic research and biology, 2009liebertpub.com
Lymphatic filariasis characterized by the dysfunction of the lymphatics can lead to severe
(and often) irreversible lymphedema and elephantiasis. Decades of research in the field
shows that the establishment of the adult parasites in the lymphatics triggers a cascade of
events that ultimately results in tissue scarring and fibrosis. In this minireview, we focus on
the studies addressing the mechanisms underlying the parasite-induced lymphatic dilatation
that suggests parasite-induced lymphatic remodeling and lymphangiogenesis may be the …
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis characterized by the dysfunction of the lymphatics can lead to severe (and often) irreversible lymphedema and elephantiasis. Decades of research in the field shows that the establishment of the adult parasites in the lymphatics triggers a cascade of events that ultimately results in tissue scarring and fibrosis. In this minireview, we focus on the studies addressing the mechanisms underlying the parasite-induced lymphatic dilatation that suggests parasite-induced lymphatic remodeling and lymphangiogenesis may be the prelude towards developing chronic and irreversible filarial pathology.
Mary Ann Liebert