Can the co-dependence of the immune system and angiogenesis facilitate pharmacological targeting of tumours?

- Immune cells are involved in cancer angiogenesis.
- There are numerous molecular mechanisms by which immune cells effect angiogenesis.
- Some of these molecular mechanisms can be targeted that could aid in both therapy and prevention.
- Targeting angiogenesis can enhance the effects of immunotherapy.

Tumours elicit a number of mechanisms to induce a reprogramming of innate and adaptive immune cells to their advantage, inducing a pro-angiogenic phenotype. Investigation of these events is now leading to the identification of specific myeloid and lymphoid cell-targeted therapies, as well as of unexplored off-target activities of clinically relevant chemotherapeutic and metabolic drugs. It is also leading to an enhanced understanding of the interplay between angiogenesis and the immune system, and the value of novel co-targeting approaches using both immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy. Here, we review recently identified mechanisms and potential pharmacological approaches targeting the crosstalk between cancer cells and the host immune system, providing an overview on novel therapeutic opportunities linking immuno-oncology and anti-angiogenic therapy.