Lymph Angiogenesis After Lung Transplantation and Relation to Acute Organ Rejection in Humans

Increased lymphatic angiogenesis after lung transplantation, demonstrated by increased density of the PROX-1 lymphatic endothelial marker, was associated with histologically evident acute organ rejection in humans. Although the exact role of lymphatic angiogenesis in acute organ rejection remains to be determined, further study of the interaction between the microvasculature and acute rejection seems warranted. Pending further investigation, analysis of PROX-1 density may develop into a new tool for rejection monitoring, supplementing conventional rejection grading.