Advances in Research on Meningeal Lymphatic Vessels in Central Nervous System Diseases

Abstract

Meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), located around the dural sinuses, are considered significant participants in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. Meningeal lymphatic vessels not only drain fluids and metabolic waste from the brain into deep cervical lymph nodes (dCLNs) but also transport immune cells from the brain to dCLNs, thus regulating the interaction between the central and peripheral immune systems. These vessels play a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Meningeal lymphatic vessels are involved in the pathophysiological processes of various CNS diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and brain tumors. In aging and various CNS diseases, damage and dysfunction of mLVs have been observed, leading to the abnormal accumulation of toxic substances and exacerbating neural damage. By transporting antigen-presenting cells that have taken up antigens within the brain to dCLNs, mLVs modulate the activation of peripheral immune cells and their migration and infiltration into brain lesions. Certain drug interventions or physical therapies can modulate the drainage function of mLVs, effectively improving the prognosis of CNS diseases. This review provides a detailed introduction to the anatomic structure, physiological roles, and research advances of mLVs in CNS diseases. In addition, we propose new strategies for targeting mLVs in the treatment of CNS diseases.