Integrins and Their Extracellular Matrix Ligands in Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis
Figure 2
Local paracrine signaling controls lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis. (a) Release of growth factors such as VEGF-C and VEGF-D by tumor and stromal cells promotes lymphatic endothelial cell sprouting, invasion, and capillary tube formation. (b) VEGF-C stimulates lymphatic endothelial cells to produce the chemokine CCL21. Expression of the CCL21 receptor on leukocytes and some tumor cells stimulates chemotaxis toward the lymphatic vessel promoting lymphatic dissemination.
