MMP9 and neoplasm: In addition to suppress tumor antigen-driven activation of T cells [30], they have been shown to produce vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), β-fibroblast growth factor (β-FGF), VEGF analogue Bv8, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), all essential mediators of angiogenesis and tissue invasion at the tumor site [31-33].