Reducing inflammatory lymphangiogenesis using a VEGFR-3 blocking antibody, or decreasing lymphatic function through the down regulation of FoxC2, a gene required for lymphatic homeostasis, significantly increases inflammatory oedema and inhibits disease resolution in mouse models of IBD, suggesting a protective role of intestinal lymphatics in IBD (Becker et al., 2015; Jurisic et al., 2013). This evidence concerns the gene FOXC2 and inflammatory bowel disease.