Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is primarily known as a proangiogenic factor and is one of the most important growth and survival factors affecting the vascular endothelium. However, recent studies have shown...Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is primarily known as a proangiogenic factor and is one of the most important growth and survival factors affecting the vascular endothelium. However, recent studies have shown that VEGF also plays a vital role in the immune environment. In addition to the traditional growth factor role of VEGF and VEGF receptors(VEGFRs), they have a complicated relationship with various immune cells. VEGF also reportedly inhibits the differentiation and function of immune cells during hematopoiesis. Dendritic cells(DCs), macrophages, and lymphocytes further express certain types of VEGF receptors.VEGF can be secreted as well by tumor cells through the autocrine pathway and can stimulate the function of cancer stemness.This review will provide a paradigm shift in our understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR signaling in the immune and cancer environment.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the key program of the National Basic Research Program of China (973 program) (Grant No. 2012CB9333004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81401888)
文摘Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is primarily known as a proangiogenic factor and is one of the most important growth and survival factors affecting the vascular endothelium. However, recent studies have shown that VEGF also plays a vital role in the immune environment. In addition to the traditional growth factor role of VEGF and VEGF receptors(VEGFRs), they have a complicated relationship with various immune cells. VEGF also reportedly inhibits the differentiation and function of immune cells during hematopoiesis. Dendritic cells(DCs), macrophages, and lymphocytes further express certain types of VEGF receptors.VEGF can be secreted as well by tumor cells through the autocrine pathway and can stimulate the function of cancer stemness.This review will provide a paradigm shift in our understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR signaling in the immune and cancer environment.
