Lymphatic System and Immune Cell-Based Response

The lymphatic system has a significant influence on immune functions due to its capacity to provide the conduit for the transportation of immune cells, pathogens, and antigens through the lymphatic fluid. It also distributes interstitial fluid and regulates absorption of nutrients, proteins, and lipids. Through its surveillance mechanism, it coordinates the migration of antigens, exosomes, and lymphocytes from peripheral tissues to the collecting vessels of the lymph nodes. The stromal cells of the lymph nodes have the excellent capacity to orchestrate passive and active immune functions due to their interaction with elite immune factors, signaling agents, and complex proteins that produce autoimmune effects. Disorders that alter the regulatory and homeostatic as well as the immune functions of the lymphatic system trigger disease conditions, such as cancer, metabolic syndromes, and inflammatory diseases. This chapter will evaluate the roles of the lymphatic system in the provision of cell-based immunity against different disease conditions.