Integrin alpha 9 blockade suppresses lymphatic valve formation and promotes transplant survival

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of suppressing valvulogenesis (VG) in a lymphatic vessel in an inflamed or transplanted tissue or organ in a mammal in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of an anti-integrin alpha 9 (Itga-9) therapeutic agent to the mammal, and optionally by administering VEGFR-3.