Abstract
Recent discoveries of the glymphatic system and of meningeal lymphatic vessels have generated a lot of excitement, along with some degree of skepticism. Here, we summarize the state of the field and point out the gaps of knowledge that should be filled through further research. We discuss the glymphatic system as a system that allows CNS perfusion by the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF). We also describe the recently characterized meningeal lymphatic vessels and their role in drainage of the brain ISF, CSF, CNS-derived molecules, and immune cells from the CNS and meninges to the peripheral (CNS-draining) lymph nodes. We speculate on the relationship between the two systems and their malfunction that may underlie some neurological diseases. Although much remains to be investigated, these new discoveries have changed our understanding of mechanisms underlying CNS immune privilege and CNS drainage. Future studies should explore the communications between the glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatics in CNS disorders and develop new therapeutic modalities targeting these systems.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | The Journal of Clinical Investigation |
| Volume | 127 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Pages (from-to) | 3210-3219 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISSN | 0021-9738 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2017 |
Keywords
- Alzheimer Disease
- Amyloid beta-Peptides
- Animals
- Brain
- Central Nervous System
- Central Nervous System Diseases
- Dura Mater
- Extracellular Fluid
- Humans
- Immune System
- Lymph Nodes
- Lymphatic System
- Lymphatic Vessels
- Meninges
- Neuroglia
- Journal Article
- Review