The Antigen Processing and Presentation Machinery in Lymphatic Endothelial Cells

Until a few years ago, lymphatic vessels and lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) were viewed as part of a passive conduit for lymph and immune cells to reach lymph nodes (LN). However, recent work has shown that LEC are active immunological players whose interaction with dendritic cells and T cells is of important immunomodulatory relevance. While the immunological interaction between LEC and other immune cells has taken a center stage, molecular analysis of LEC antigen processing and presentation machinery is still lagging. Herein we review the current knowledge of LEC MHC I and MHC II antigen processing and presentation pathways, Including the role of LEC in antigen phagocytosis, classical, and non-classical MHC II presentation, proteasome processing and MHC I presentation, and cross-presentation. The ultimate goal is to provide an overview of the LEC antigen processing and presentation machinery that constitutes the molecular basis for their role in MHC I and MHC II-restricted immune responses.