Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) (LYVE-1)

Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) is a cell-surface receptor found primarily on lymphatic endothelial cells and certain tissue macrophages. It binds hyaluronic acid (HA), a component of the extracellular matrix, and is structurally homologous to CD44 but differs in tissue distribution and binding mechanics. LYVE-1 enables the transport of HA and regulates immune cell trafficking into lymphatic vessels by mediating adhesive interactions with migrating dendritic cells and macrophages. Its biological functions support roles in inflammation, cancer metastasis, and wound healing. LYVE-1 is used as a lymphatic marker in experimental biology and pathology, but its direct therapeutic targeting remains largely unexplored. The protein belongs to the Link protein superfamily and contains a Link domain essential for HA-binding, stabilized by conserved disulfide bridges.

Other names

Extracellular link domain-containing 1 (XLKD1)LYVE1hyaladherin homologous to CD44

Drugs (if were to exist) would potentially block HA binding, inhibit immune cell trafficking, or alter lymphatic function. For CD44, anti-CD44 antibodies or hyaluronan mimetics are used experimentally to block HA binding and cell migration.