Immune cells and angiogenesis

Introduction The importance of angiogenesis in physiological and pathological conditions The contribution of immune cells to angiogenesis in inflammation and tumour growth Neutrophils Basophils Eosinophils Monocytes-macrophages Lymphocytes Dendritic cells The contribution of progenitor cells and adult cell transdifferentiation Mast cells Platelets Conclusions Both innate and adaptive immune cells are involved in the mechanisms of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and activation, through the production and release of a large spectrum of pro-angiogenic mediators. These may create the specific microenvironment that favours an increased rate of tissue vascularization. In this review, we will focus on the immune cell component of the angiogenic process in inflammation and tumour growth. As angiogenesis is the result of a net balance between the activities exerted by positive and negative regulators, we will also provide information on some antiangiogenic properties of immune cells that may be utilized for a potential pharmacological use as antiangiogenic agents in inflammation as well as in cancer.