Immune system

Cancer research

Effector

Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cell

Suppressor

Biology

Cancer

VEGF receptors

Immunity

Angiogenesis

Internal medicine

Immunology

Vascular endothelial growth factor

Medicine

Frontiers in Immunology

In addition to the crucial role in promoting the growth of tumor vessels, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also immunosuppressive. VEGF can inhibit the function of T cells, increase the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and hinder the differentiation and activation of dendritic cells (DCs). Recent studies have investigated the role of antiangiogenic agents in antitumor immunity, especially in recent three years. Therefore, it is necessary to update the role of targeting VEGF/VEGFR in anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we focus on the latest clinical and preclinical findings on the modulatory role of antiangiogenic agents targeting VEGF/VEGFR in immune cells, including effector T cells, Tregs, MDSCs, DCs, tumor-associated macrophages and mast cells. Our review will be potentially helpful for the development of combinations of angiogenesis inhibitors with immunological modulators.

Targeting VEGF/VEGFR to Modulate Antitumor Immunity