Lymph-VILI

A functional lymphatic system is essential for resolving edema and clearing inflammatory cytokines at sites of infection and inflammation. The drainage of lymphatic fluid through fine vessels toward the lymph nodes, as well as antigen presentation to immune cells within the lymph nodes, contributes to the activation of adaptive immune responses.

Through these mechanisms, inflammation-induced lymphangiogenic responses guide tissue repair and the resolution of inflammation. In contrast, chronic inflammatory conditions are often associated with impaired lymphangiogenesis.

Our research aims to characterize the lymphatic system, elucidate the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis, and analyze its dynamics in a murine model of lung inflammation resulting from ventilator-induced lung injury.

Deciphering lymphangiogenic responses in this context may uncover novel mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis and inflammatory resolution. Ultimately, these insights could support the development of pharmacologic therapies to prevent and treat ventilator-induced lung injury and pulmonary inflammation.

Project title: Mechanisms and the therapeutic potential of pulmonary lymphangiogenesis in a murine model of ventilator induced lung injury

PI: Prof. Roland C. E. Francis

Group: Palina Mandel, Prof. Dr. Adriaan Graw

Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft 

Collaboration: Dr. Mahdi Taher, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Prof. Dr. Dieter Chichung Lie, Institut für Anatomie, FAU Erlangen