PlGF: A Multitasking Cytokine with Disease-Restricted Activity
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, VIB Vesalius Research Center, K.U. Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: peter.carmeliet{at}vib-kuleuven.be
Abstract
Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family that also comprises VEGF-A (VEGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D. Unlike VEGF, PlGF is dispensable for development and health but has diverse nonredundant roles in tissue ischemia, malignancy, inflammation, and multiple other diseases. Genetic and pharmacological gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies have identified molecular mechanisms of this multitasking cytokine and characterized the therapeutic potential of delivering or blocking PlGF for various disorders.
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