Targeting VEGF/VEGFR to Modulate Antitumor Immunity.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) promotes tumor angiogenesis and possesses immunosuppressive properties.
• VEGF inhibits T cell function, recruits regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and impairs dendritic cell (DC) activation.
• Recent research highlights the impact of antiangiogenic agents on antitumor immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review on the role of targeting VEGF/VEGFR in antitumor immunity.
• To summarize recent clinical and preclinical findings on how antiangiogenic agents modulate immune cells.
• To inform the development of combination therapies involving angiogenesis inhibitors and immunomodulators.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent clinical and preclinical studies.
• Focus on the modulatory effects of antiangiogenic agents targeting VEGF/VEGFR.
• Analysis of impacts on various immune cell populations.

Main Results:

• Antiangiogenic agents targeting VEGF/VEGFR influence effector T cells, Tregs, MDSCs, DCs, tumor-associated macrophages, and mast cells.
• Evidence suggests these agents can reshape the tumor immune microenvironment.
• Recent findings underscore the potential of combining angiogenesis inhibitors with immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Targeting VEGF/VEGFR pathways offers a promising strategy to enhance antitumor immunity.
• Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of these agents is crucial for optimizing cancer treatment.
• Combination strategies hold significant potential for improving therapeutic outcomes in cancer.