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Related Concept Videos

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Autocrine Signaling01:01

Autocrine Signaling

Autocrine signaling is one of the many signaling mechanisms that function inside multicellular organisms to carry out intercellular communication. In this type of signaling mechanism, the same cell that secretes an extracellular signaling molecule also expresses the receptors to bind and respond to that signaling molecule.
Autocrine Signaling in Macrophages
Under normal physiological conditions, autocrine signaling is essential for maintaining homeostasis. This process is well characterized in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
08:36

In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction

Published on: August 1, 2019

Macrophages and cancer.

Alessandra Nardin1, Jean-Pierre Abastado

  • 1SIgN Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, BMSI, A-STAR, Singapore 138665. alessandra_nardin@immunol.a-star.edu.sg

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|May 30, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Macrophages play a dual role in cancer. While often promoting tumor growth, properly activated macrophages can fight cancer, offering potential as an adjuvant therapy for minimal residual disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages are crucial immune cells with plastic phenotypes, influenced by their microenvironment.
  • Their role in cancer is complex, with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) often promoting tumor progression and immune suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the ambiguous role of macrophages in tumor development.
  • To investigate the potential of macrophages as anti-cancer agents, particularly in early-stage disease or minimal residual disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on macrophage polarization and function in cancer.
  • Analysis of factors influencing macrophage phenotype in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Discussion of current therapeutic strategies targeting tumor macrophages.

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Time-Lapse 2D Imaging of Phagocytic Activity in M1 Macrophage-4T1 Mouse Mammary Carcinoma Cells in Co-cultures

Published on: December 14, 2019

A Macrophage-Tumor Spheroid Co-Invasion Assay
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A Macrophage-Tumor Spheroid Co-Invasion Assay

Published on: January 24, 2025

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Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
08:36

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Published on: August 1, 2019

Time-Lapse 2D Imaging of Phagocytic Activity in M1 Macrophage-4T1 Mouse Mammary Carcinoma Cells in Co-cultures
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Time-Lapse 2D Imaging of Phagocytic Activity in M1 Macrophage-4T1 Mouse Mammary Carcinoma Cells in Co-cultures

Published on: December 14, 2019

A Macrophage-Tumor Spheroid Co-Invasion Assay
09:01

A Macrophage-Tumor Spheroid Co-Invasion Assay

Published on: January 24, 2025

Main Results:

  • Macrophages can exhibit both pro-tumor and anti-tumor functions depending on their polarization state and the tumor context.
  • Early-stage tumors or minimal residual disease may allow for macrophage-mediated anti-tumor activity.
  • The precise in vivo mechanisms of macrophage anti-tumor activity remain incompletely understood.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages hold therapeutic potential in cancer, especially when activated towards an anti-tumor phenotype.
  • Targeting macrophage polarization or function represents a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying macrophage anti-tumor activity for effective clinical application.