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Updated: May 16, 2026
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Tumor-associated macrophages: function, phenotype, and link to prognosis in human lung cancer
Jon G Quatromoni1, Evgeniy Eruslanov
1Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract:
Macrophages are the dominant leukocyte population found in the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence suggests that these tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) actively promote all aspects of tumor initiation, growth, and development. However, TAMs are not a single uniform population; instead, they are composed of multiple distinct pro- and anti-tumoral subpopulations with overlapping features depending on a variety of external factors. Defining and differentiating these subsets remains a challenging work-in-progress. These difficulties are apparent in prognostic studies in lung cancer that initially demonstrated conflicting evidence regarding the significance of TAMs but which have more recently clarified and confirmed the clinical importance of these subsets through improved phenotypic capabilities. Thus, these cells represent potential targets for cancer therapeutic initiatives through translational approaches. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how the tumor microenvironment takes advantage of macrophage plasticity to mold an immunosuppressive population, the phenotypic heterogeneity of TAMs, and their link to prognosis in human lung cancer.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key immune cells in cancer, but their diverse subtypes promote or inhibit tumor growth. Understanding TAM heterogeneity is crucial for developing targeted lung cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are the primary leukocytes in the tumor microenvironment.
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) significantly influence tumor initiation, growth, and development.
- TAMs are heterogeneous, comprising both pro- and anti-tumoral subpopulations with overlapping characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of macrophage plasticity within the tumor microenvironment.
- To explore the phenotypic heterogeneity of TAMs.
- To examine the link between TAM subsets and prognosis in human lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TAMs in the tumor microenvironment.
- Analysis of research on macrophage plasticity and phenotypic diversity.
- Examination of prognostic studies in lung cancer focusing on TAMs.
Main Results:
- The tumor microenvironment utilizes macrophage plasticity to create an immunosuppressive environment.
- TAMs exhibit significant phenotypic heterogeneity, complicating their classification.
- Improved phenotypic analysis has clarified the prognostic significance of TAM subsets in lung cancer.
Conclusions:
- TAMs are critical players in lung cancer progression and prognosis.
- The heterogeneity of TAMs presents challenges but also opportunities for therapeutic targeting.
- Targeting specific TAM subsets offers potential for novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
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