Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor in human cancer (Review)

Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI), also known as tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 15 (TNFSF15) and TNF ligand related molecule 1 (TL1), is a recently identified anti-angiogenic cytokine that belongs to the TNF superfamily. Three isoforms of VEGI, VEGI 174, 192, and 251 have been documented, all sharing 151 common C-terminal amino acids but differing in their N-terminal regions. The investigations into the biological functions of VEGI have pointed to a potential cancer inhibitory role for the cytokine. The inhibitory effects of VEGI on cancer are manifested in three main areas, the direct effect on cancer cells, the anti-angiogenic effects on endothelial cells, and stimulation of maturation of dendric cells. The clinical aspect of VEGI in cancer is also being explored in recent years. The present article overviews the recent progress on this molecule and discusses the value of VEGI as a potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy