Modulation of chemotactic and pro-inflammatory activities of endothelial progenitor cells by hepatocellular carcinoma

► HCC alters the EC and angiogenic markers of EPC subtypes CFU-EC and ECFC. ► HCC induces directional migration and chemotactic invasion of CFU-EC, but not ECFC. ► MIP-3α/CCR6 axis is critical for CFU-EC chemotactic activity modulated by HCC. ► HCC inhibits EPC pro-inflammatory response by reduction of NF-κB activation.