VEGFR-3

VEGFR-3 (Flt-4) is the lymphatic-endothelial receptor of the VEGFR family, activated by proteolytically processed VEGF-C and VEGF-D rather than by VEGF-A. Signaling through VEGFR-3 governs lymphangiogenesis and the maintenance of lymphatic vessels during development and in adult tissue remodeling. In cancer, tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis via the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis promotes lymphatic invasion and nodal metastasis, and VEGFR-3 expression also appears in some tumor blood vessels and in Kaposi sarcoma-associated lesions. A soluble VEGFR-3 isoform functions as a natural ligand trap. Recombinant VEGFR-3 supports research on lymphatic biology and on anti-metastatic therapies targeting VEGF-C signaling.