Placental growth factors (PlGF) are involved in the growth, migration and survival of endothelial cells. All the four isoforms identified are expressed in placenta and umbilical vein endothelial cells. PlGF bind to specific Flt-1 receptors that result in activation and recruitment of dendritic cells, smooth muscle cells and inflammatory cells. PlGF2 has the ability to bind heparin while PlGF1 is a soluble isoform.
