Inflammation and Antiangiogenesis in Cancer

D.      Ribatti; E.      Crivellato; A.      Vacca

Abstract

The immune system regulates angiogenesis in cancer by means of pro- and anti-angiogenesis activities. In fact, both innate (macrophages, granulocytes, mast cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and platelets) and adaptive (T and B lymphocytes) immune cells synthesize several pro- and anti-angiogenic mediators. Moreover, in pre-clinical models, a synergy has been observed between antiangiogenic molecules and immunotherapy. In this review article, we will focus on some angiogenenic and anti-angiogenic molecules properties of immune cells that may be utilized for a potential parmacological use as anti-angiogenic agents in cancer.

Keywords: Angiogenesis, anti-angiogenesis, adaptive immunity, inflammation, innate immunity, lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, platelets, tumor progression