TGFBIp mediates lymphatic sprouting in corneal lymphangiogenesis

Corneal lymphangiogenesis plays a key role in diverse pathological conditions of the eye. Here, we demonstrate that a versatile extracellular matrix protein, transforming growth factor‐β induced protein (TGFBIp), promotes lymphatic sprouting in corneal lymphangiogenesis. TGFBIp is highly up‐regulated in inflamed mouse corneas. Immunolocalization of TGFBIp is detected in infiltrating macrophages in inflamed mouse corneas. Subconjunctival injection of liposomal clodronate can significantly reduce macrophage infiltration in inflamed mouse cornea, and decrease the expression of TGFBIp and areas of corneal lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis after corneal suture placement. In brief, these results indicate that the up‐regulation of TGFBIp in sutured cornea correlates with macrophage infiltration. Although TGFBIp alone cannot significantly stimulate corneal lymph vessel ingrowth in vivo, it can enhance the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C in promoting corneal lymphangiogenesis. The in vitro results show that TGFBIp promotes migration, tube formation and adhesion of human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs), but it has no effect on HLECs' proliferation. We also find that the in vitro effect of TGFBIp is mediated by the integrin α5β1‐FAK pathway. Additionally, integrin α5β1 blockade can significantly inhibit lymphatic sprouting induced by TGFBIp. Taken together, these findings reveal a new molecular mechanism of lymphangiogenesis in which the TGFBIp‐integrin pathways plays a pivotal role in lymphatic sprouting.