These cells, designated CAFs-MSCs, promote NB cell growth and survival, and enhance resistance to chemotherapy by being a source of multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-A, chemokine C-C motif ligand (CCL)-2 [aka monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP) 1] and C-X-C motif Ligand (CXCL)-12 [aka stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1] that target NB cells and stromal cells in the TME. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is neuroblastoma.