Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatic vessels

Antoine Louveau, Igor Smirnov, Timothy J. Keyes, Jacob D. Eccles, Sherin J. Rouhani, J. David Peske, Noel C. Derecki, David Castle, James W. Mandell, Kevin S. Lee, Tajie H. Harris & Jonathan Kipnis
Nature-2015

The research findings reported in this study challenge the dogmas regarding the immune privilege status of the central nervous system (CNS) and its isolation from the immune system by the blood-brain barrier. Functional meningeal lymphatic vessels capable of carrying immune cells and interstitial fluids from the CNS are identified and characterized. Findings provide novel understanding on how autoimmune encephalopathies, like PANS/ PANDAS, can develop when these unique lymphatic vessels malfunction. Structural and functional features of central nervous system lymphatic vessels.

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