Homing-associated molecules CD73 and VAP-1 as targets to prevent harmful inflammations and cancer spread

Homing-associated molecules are of fundamental importance for proper functioning of our immune system as they direct the cells to sites of inflammation to create an immune response. However, they are also responsible for harmful cell trafficking, which takes place in acute and chronic inflammations as well as in tumor progression and metastatic spread of cancer. Therefore, these molecules are potential targets for developing drugs to prevent harmful inflammation and metastases of cancer. In this review, we will discuss about the most recent advances in studies elucidating the role of two homing-associated ecto-enzymes in physiological and pathological cell trafficking and their use as drug targets.