Immune-interacting lymphatic endothelial subtype at capillary terminals drives lymphatic malformation

M Petkova, M Kraft, S Stritt, I Martinez-Corral… - Journal of Experimental …, 2023 - rupress.org
M Petkova, M Kraft, S Stritt, I Martinez-Corral, H Ortsäter, M Vanlandewijck, B Jakic
Journal of Experimental Medicine, 2023rupress.org
Oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, encoding p110α-PI3K, are a common cause of venous and
lymphatic malformations. Vessel type–specific disease pathogenesis is poorly understood,
hampering development of efficient therapies. Here, we reveal a new immune-interacting
subtype of Ptx3-positive dermal lymphatic capillary endothelial cells (iLECs) that recruit pro-
lymphangiogenic macrophages to promote progressive lymphatic overgrowth. Mouse model
of Pik3ca H1047R-driven vascular malformations showed that proliferation was induced in …
Oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, encoding p110α-PI3K, are a common cause of venous and lymphatic malformations. Vessel type–specific disease pathogenesis is poorly understood, hampering development of efficient therapies. Here, we reveal a new immune-interacting subtype of Ptx3-positive dermal lymphatic capillary endothelial cells (iLECs) that recruit pro-lymphangiogenic macrophages to promote progressive lymphatic overgrowth. Mouse model of Pik3caH1047R-driven vascular malformations showed that proliferation was induced in both venous and lymphatic ECs but sustained selectively in LECs of advanced lesions. Single-cell transcriptomics identified the iLEC population, residing at lymphatic capillary terminals of normal vasculature, that was expanded in Pik3caH1047R mice. Expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including monocyte/macrophage chemokine Ccl2, in Pik3caH1047R-iLECs was associated with recruitment of VEGF-C–producing macrophages. Macrophage depletion, CCL2 blockade, or anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibition limited Pik3caH1047R-driven lymphangiogenesis. Thus, targeting the paracrine crosstalk involving iLECs and macrophages provides a new therapeutic opportunity for lymphatic malformations. Identification of iLECs further indicates that peripheral lymphatic vessels not only respond to but also actively orchestrate inflammatory processes.
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