Lymphatic dysfunction in lupus contributes to cutaneous photosensitivity and lymph node B cell responses.

ABSTRACT: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are photosensitive, developing skin inflammation with even ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and this cutaneous photosensitivity can be associated with UVR-induced flares of systemic disease, which can involve increased autoantibodies and further end-organ injury. Mechanistic insight into the link between the skin responses and autoimmunity is limited. Signals from skin are transmitted directly to the immune system via lymphatic vessels, and here we show evidence for potentiation of UVR-induced lymphatic flow dysfunction in SLE patients and murine models. Improving lymphatic flow by manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) or with a transgenic model with increased lymphatic vessels reduces both cutaneous inflammation and lymph node B and T cell re

SUBMITTER: Howlader MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12165800 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature