One of the key groups of molecules regulating leukocyte and tumour cell migration is the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA). In inflammation, the exit of leukocytes across vascular endothelium to the underlying tissues involves interactions with cell surface lectin-like receptors on the leukocytes that bind HA on the lumenal surface of the endothelium. During normal tissue homeostasis and after tissue injury, HA is mobilized from these sites through lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes where it is degraded before entering the circulation for rapid uptake by the liver. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor (LYVE)-1 is a major receptor for HA on the lymph vessel wall. LYVE-1 is expressed primarily on lymphatic vessel endothelium and is likely to be involved in regulating the traffic of leucocytes and tumour cells to lymph nodes.

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