LYVE1

LYVE-1, or lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1, is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein expressed predominantly on the endothelium of lymphatic vessels. It is a receptor for hyaluronan (HA) and is implicated in the uptake and transport of HA from tissues into the lymphatic system. LYVE-1 is widely used as a molecular marker to identify lymphatic vessels in histological samples, commonly in combination with podoplanin and Prox1.

Structurally, LYVE-1 contains an N-terminal extracellular HA-binding domain, a single transmembrane segment, and a cytoplasmic tail. The extracellular domain is glycosylated and mediates HA interaction; its binding affinity and physiological relevance in vivo remain topics of ongoing research. Expression is highest in lymphatic endothelium, though LYVE-1 can also be detected on macrophages under inflammatory conditions.

Biologically, LYVE-1 is thought to participate in hyaluronan turnover by binding HA and facilitating its transport to lymphatic vessels, contributing to tissue HA clearance and lymphatic drainage. It may also influence lymphangiogenesis or immune cell trafficking, particularly in development or pathological states such as cancer.

Clinically and in research, LYVE-1 serves as a practical marker for lymphatic endothelium in cancer staging and vascular biology studies. Soluble LYVE-1 has been reported in plasma under certain conditions, and altered LYVE-1 levels or distribution have been linked to inflammatory diseases and tumor-associated lymphatics. However, LYVE-1 is not absolutely specific to lymphatic endothelium, as some non-endothelial cell types can express it in specific contexts.