Figure 3 Tumours secrete factors that cause systemic immunosuppression Figure 3 | Tumours secrete factors that cause systemic immunosuppression. The cells of the tumour microenvironment exert systemic immunosuppressive effects by releasing factors such as VEGF, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) into the circulation. Collectively, these cytokines reduce the ability of antigen-presenting cells to prime T cells and thus reduce the anticancer responses of effector T cells. In addition, tumour-derived factors increase the presence and function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, which suppress anticancer immunity. Fukumura, D. et al. (2018) Enhancing cancer immunotherapy using antiangiogenics: opportunities and challenges Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol. doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2018.29