Lymphatic & Blood Vascular Biology
The U-M Medical School Department of Microbiology & Immunology conducts research studying lymphatic and blood vascular biology.
The body’s blood vascular system is used to carry not only oxygen-rich red blood cells to the tissues and organs, but also to convey the innate and adaptive immune cells that are critical for patrolling the body for infections and malignancies.
Cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems cooperate within secondary lymphoid organs (lymph nodes and spleen) to initiate adaptive immune responses against pathogens and tumor cells. The lymphatic vascular system, which is essential for maintaining tissue fluid balance, also facilitates the recirculation of adaptive immune cells between different secondary lymphoid organs and the blood vascular system, a process necessary for effective adaptive immunity.
Areas of Investigation
We investigate:
- Processes that regulate vascular and lymphatic development
- Pathologies that impact vascular and lymphatic function
Faculty Researching Lymphatic & Blood Vascular Biology
Katherine Gallagher, MD
Associate Chair, Department of Vascular Surgery Section
Professor of Surgery and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Medical School
Philip D King, PhD
Medical School
