The Lymphatic Forum 2025

Northwestern University At Chicago, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

Summary The Lymphatic Forum 2025 (LF2025) will be the 5th iteration of a planned conference series that brings together researchers from around the world who study lymphatics in health and disease. The lymphatic system is a relatively understudied, yet vital component of the cardiovascular system that couples the tissue parenchyma to the venous blood via lymph flow through a complex network of lymphatic vessels. It transports fluid, macromolecules, lipids, tissue catabolic products, and immune cells/agents as lymph. Thus, the lymphatic system provides critical links for the transport of fluid, macromolecules, cells, and other elements from the interstitial space of all organs to and through numerous lymph nodes to the venous blood. In completing this transport, it regulates body fluid volume, macromolecular homeostasis, immune function, inflammation, and lipid absorption/metabolism. It is a specialized vascular system with a complex network of low-pressure vessels with unique mechanisms to form and transport lymph. The lymphatic system serves as both a complex network of lymph conduits and as a series of unique intrinsic lymph pumps that generate and regulate the lymph flow that drives all of its functions. Because of its unique, complex structural and functional characteristics, it has been difficult to examine and quantify its structure and function in the body. However, a better understanding of its structure and function is important to health and disease. Other international/national lymphatic biology conferences, including the previous Lymphatic Forum 2017, 2019, 2021 (Virtual), and 2023 focused predominantly on embryologic development, lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic endothelial cell function, and relationships to cancer and immunity. The conference plan outlined in this application is unique in that it is the first that has a significant focus on disease-oriented sessions on the lymphatic system, including lymphatic disease detection, tumor lymphatics and lymph node metastasis, therapeutic innovations, and clinical trials. Presentations and discussions will focus on the molecular regulation of the lymphatic system in health and disease, exploring new insight into its contribution to pathological processes. Additionally, the conference will also include a plenary session on unsolved issues and gaps in lymphatic disease with a panel discussion. The lymphatic system is an intrinsic, understudied part of the cardiovascular and immune systems that influences health and disease. The goal of LF2025 is thus highly relevant to the missions of the NHLBI which has accepted primary assignment on this application, and also of the NIDDK, NIAID, and NCI, which will be asked for secondary support. Additionally, the conference is specifically designed such that trainees and young investigators have significant roles.