Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells

The lymphatic system is an essential part of the immune system. It helps maintain tissue homeostasis, including interstitial protein transport, tissue fluid balance, and development of cellular immunity. Human Lymph nodes, which are present throughout the lymphatic system, contain large numbers of lymphocytes; but also macrophages and antigen presenting cells that together initiate primary immune response. Human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLEC) assist in the primary immune response by recruiting intravascular lymphocytes as they circulate past. In addition, HLEC are responsible for facilitating the transmigration of intravascular lymphocytes into the reticular meshwork where the lymphocytes can interact with antigen presenting cells.