Abstract
BACKGROUND: High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized blood vessels found primarily in lymphoid tissues, notably at the cortico-paracortical junction of lymph nodes (LNs). They play a key role in lymphocyte trafficking, facilitating the entry of lymphocytes into peripheral lymphoid organs. OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence indicates the presence of HEVs within tumor tissues, where they form part of tertiary lymphoid structures. This review aims to explore the structural and functional alterations of HEVs in tumors and LNs, and investigate their role in cancer prognosis and response to immunotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive review of recent studies examining HEVs in tumors and LNs, with a focus on their involvement in immune responses and cancer progression. Additionally, the use of MECA-79 as a specific HEV marker was considered as a potential therapeutic target. RESULTS: HEVs within tumors have been associated with improved immune surveillance and better prognosis in certain cancers. The presence of HEVs in tumors correlates with enhanced immune cell infiltration and may influence the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments. Targeting HEVs, particularly through MECA-79, holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy to modulate tumor immunity. CONCLUSION: Targeting HEVs in tumor tissues represents a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Further research is needed to optimize strategies for modulating HEV function and to better understand their role in immune responses to cancer.