Recent advances in meningeal lymphatic system and its role in Alzheimer's disease

VernacularTitle:脑膜淋巴系统及其在阿尔茨海默病中的作用研究进展
Author: Yitao LYU ¹ ; Jianming LIAO ; Mingchang LI
Author Information

1. 武汉大学第一临床学院，武昌　430060
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Meningeal lymphatic system; Alzheimer's disease; Immune system; Cerebrospinal fluid; Beta-amyloid protein; tau protein
From: Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(11):1162-1168
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Recent studies have confirmed that the meningeal lymphatic system (MLS), a functional lymphatic network, exists in the dura mater of the central nervous system (CNS). It can connect to the peripheral lymphatic system and remove metabolic wastes from the CNS. MLS discovery has overturned the traditional view that the brain is an "immune-exempt" organ and provides a new perspective for Alzheimer's disease (AD) research. This article reviews the discovery, anatomical structure, and physiological functions of MLS, and deeply explores the mutual regulation mechanism between MLS and immune system and its key role in AD occurrence and development, aiming to provide new ideas for AD treatments targeting MLS.