VEGFA and neoplasm: Functionally, immunosuppressive macrophages contribute to tumor progression by secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β), inhibiting cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation, promoting regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion, and supporting angiogenesis through the production of VEGF and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (15, 16).