In addition to the direct effect of CAFs on cancer cells, they can promote angiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF), CXCL12a and FGF-2 factor production and modulate the immune response by inducing macrophage infiltration and tumour-promoting cell polarisation, reducing T-cell infiltration and interfering with natural killer cell function27. The gene discussed is FGF2; the disease is cancer.