Research progress on the relationship between meningeal lymphatic vessels and Alzheimer's disease

Yafang CUI

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2096-5516.2025.03.007

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Chinese Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders ›› 2025, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (3) : 194-199. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.2096-5516.2025.03.007

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Research progress on the relationship between meningeal lymphatic vessels and Alzheimer's disease

Yafang CUI

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Abstract

The meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) play a crucial role in the complex circulation and exchange of soluble contents between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the interstitial fluid (ISF). It has been confirmed that mLVs can drain intracranial CSF and immune cells to extracranial deep cervical lymph nodes (dCLNs), thereby establishing a direct link between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral immune system. Given the limited therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease (AD), enhancing brain lymphatic flow to improve the clearance of toxic waste has emerged as a new approach to alleviating cognitive impairment. This article briefly introduces the discovery process, structure, and location of mLVs, and thoroughly discusses their physiological functions. It focuses on the relationship between mLVs and the pathogenesis of AD, aiming to provide reference for emerging therapeutic mechanisms of AD.

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Alzheimer's disease / Meningeal lymphatic vessels / Central nervous system

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Yafang CUI. Research progress on the relationship between meningeal lymphatic vessels and Alzheimer's disease[J]. Chinese Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. 2025, 8(3): 194-199 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.2096-5516.2025.03.007

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