Role of lymphatic endothelium specific hyaluronan receptor 1 in virus infection and associated diseases

Abstract Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE‐1) serves as a prominent marker for lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and is pivotal in the process of lymphangiogenesis, a critical factor in cancer development and metastasis. Overexpression of LYVE‐1 has been observed in various cancers, where it is recognized as an adverse prognostic indicator. Targeting LYVE‐1 has demonstrated inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and the formation of lymph node metastases both in vitro and in vivo. While extensive research has focused on the role of LYVE‐1 in cancer cells, its involvement in virus infection and associated diseases remains largely unexplored. This review consolidates recent findings regarding the expression of LYVE‐1 and its functions in lymphangiogenesis during various viral infections and the development of related diseases, with a particular emphasis on Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus. Despite the limited available data, it is evident that further studies are essential to comprehensively understand the contribution of LYVE‐1 to viral pathogenesis and oncogenesis.