The inhibitory role of VEGF on the normal differentiation of DC in tumours has been extensively described (Gabrilovich et al, 1996, 1998; Oyama et al, 1998; Ohm et al, 1999): VEGF blocks the functional maturation of DC from haematopoietic progenitor cells by blocking NF-κB transcription, although it is unlikely that this inhibition alone turns these progenitors into endothelial-like cells. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is neoplasm.