AXL promotes malignant phenotypes in tumor cells and might be a potential antitumor target of natural products

Abstract AXL belongs to the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family. Relying on binding its high‐affinity ligand—growth arrest‐specific protein 6 (Gas6)—AXL plays an important role in tumor initiation and progression. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been clinically used in tumor treatment for a long time, and remarkable therapeutic efficacy has been achieved. Recent studies pointed out that some natural products derived from TCM could inhibit tumor growth by targeting AXL. The potential antitumor mechanisms of natural products targeting AXL still need to be understood. In this review, we discussed the relationship between the AXL axis and tumor malignant phenotype, including migration, invasion, drug resistance, and immunosuppression. The effects and mechanisms of natural products on targeting AXL in tumors also have been systematically summarized.