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REVIEW article

Front. Cell Dev. Biol.
Sec. Molecular and Cellular Pathology
Volume 12 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1467085
This article is part of the Research Topic Lymphatic System: Organ Specific Functions in Health and Disease, Volume II View all 7 articles

Therapeutic Approaches to CNS Diseases via the Meningeal Lymphatic and Glymphatic System： Prospects and Challenges

Provisionally accepted
Rui Zhang Rui Zhang 1Jiuhong Li Jiuhong Li 1,2Xueying Li Xueying Li 1Si Zhang Si Zhang 1*
  • 1 Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
  • 2 Department of Cardiovascular surgery, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    The brain has traditionally been considered an 'immune-privileged' organ lacking a lymphatic system. However, recent studies have challenged this view by identifying the presence of the glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs). These discoveries offer new opportunities for waste clearance and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Various strategies have been developed based on these pathways, including modulation of glymphatic system function, enhancement of meningeal lymphatic drainage, and utilization of these routes for drug delivery. Consequently, this review explores the developmental features and physiological roles of the cerebral lymphatic system as well as its significance in various CNS disorders. Notably, strategies for ameliorating CNS diseases have been discussed with a focus on enhancing glymphatic system and MLVs functionality through modulation of physiological factors along with implementing pharmacological and physical treatments. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the potential use of the CNS lymphatic system in drug delivery while envisioning future directions in terms of mechanisms, applications, and translational research.

    Keywords: Meningeal lymphatic vessels, Glymphatic system, CNS diseases, Drug delivery, Neurodegenerative Diseases

    Received: 19 Jul 2024; Accepted: 28 Aug 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Zhang, Li, Li and Zhang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Si Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.