Novel discovery of PDPN-positive CAFs contributing to tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis through mesenchymal to lymphatic endothelial transition in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis is thought to be an importantmetastaticstepin intrahepaticccholangiocarcinoma(ICC),while the origin of tumor-associated lymphatic vessels within tumors is little known.Cancerassociated fibroblasts(CAFs)enhance tumor progression through many aspects.2 CAFs have been discovered exhibiting cellular plasticity of phenotypic transition-such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)which promotes increased migratory and invasive capabilities of cells.3However,mesenchymal-to-endothelial,(MEndT)transition is yet to be identified in tumor entities.