Connecting the Dots: The Cerebral Lymphatic System as a Bridge Between the Central Nervous System and Peripheral System in Health and Disease
Zhao Hongxiang, Meiyan Sun, Yue Zhang, Wenwen Kong, Lulu Fan, Kaifang Wang, Qing Xu, Baiyan Chen, Jianxin Dong, Yanan Shi, Zhengyan Wang, Shiqi Wang, Xiaoli Zhuang, Qi Li, Feihong Lin, Xinyu Yao, Wenbo Zhang, Chang Kong, Rui Zhang, Dayun Feng, Xiaoyong Zhao
Abstract
As a recently discovered waste removal system in the brain, cerebral lymphatic system is thought to play an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Currently, more and more attention is being focused on the cerebral lymphatic system. Further understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of diseases and to explore therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the structural components and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system. More importantly, it is closely associated with peripheral system diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidney. However, there is still a gap in the study of the cerebral lymphatic system. However, we believe that it is a critical mediator of the interactions between the central nervous system and the peripheral system.