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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
06:38
Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line
Published on: August 2, 2021
Macrophage polarization in tumour progression
Antonio Sica1, Paola Larghi, Alessandra Mancino
1Department of Inflammation and Immunology, Fondazione Humanitas per la Ricerca, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy. antonio.sica@humanitas.it
Seminars in Cancer Biology
|May 10, 2008
Summary
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a dual role in cancer. Targeting TAM polarization offers a promising new strategy for cancer therapy by modulating their pro- or anti-tumor functions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial for innate immunity and T cell activation.
- Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages often promote cancer progression, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression.
- This paradoxical role stems from macrophage functional plasticity and polarization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the dual role of macrophages in cancer.
- To discuss the concept of macrophage polarization (M1/M2 spectrum) within the tumor microenvironment.
- To highlight targeting macrophage polarization as a potential cancer therapeutic strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings on macrophage polarization in cancer.
- Analysis of microenvironmental signals influencing macrophage phenotype.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).
Main Results:
- Macrophages exhibit functional plasticity, leading to pro- or anti-tumor functions.
- Microenvironmental signals dictate macrophage polarization towards M1 (anti-tumor) or M2 (pro-tumor) extremes.
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- Targeting TAM polarization represents a novel therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
- Modulating macrophage phenotype offers a strategy to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression and progression.
- Understanding TAM plasticity is critical for developing effective cancer immunotherapies.
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