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Published on: November 17, 2023
Macrophages: Regulators of the Inflammatory Microenvironment during Mammary Gland Development and Breast Cancer
Nicholas J Brady1, Pavlina Chuntova1, Kathryn L Schwertfeger2
1Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Abstract:
Macrophages are critical mediators of inflammation and important regulators of developmental processes. As a key phagocytic cell type, macrophages evolved as part of the innate immune system to engulf and process cell debris and pathogens. Macrophages produce factors that act directly on their microenvironment and also bridge innate immune responses to the adaptive immune system. Resident macrophages are important for acting as sensors for tissue damage and maintaining tissue homeostasis. It is now well-established that macrophages are an integral component of the breast tumor microenvironment, where they contribute to tumor growth and progression, likely through many of the mechanisms that are utilized during normal wound healing responses. Because macrophages contribute to normal mammary gland development and breast cancer growth and progression, this review will discuss both resident mammary gland macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages with an emphasis on describing how macrophages interact with their surrounding environment during normal development and in the context of cancer.
Insights
Macrophages are key immune cells regulating inflammation and development. This review explores their roles in normal mammary gland function and breast cancer progression, focusing on their interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial phagocytic cells of the innate immune system.
- They regulate inflammation, tissue homeostasis, and bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
- Macrophages are integral to the breast tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual role of macrophages in mammary gland development and breast cancer.
- To elucidate the interactions of macrophages with their microenvironment in both physiological and pathological contexts.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on macrophage biology.
- Analysis of macrophage functions in mammary gland development.
- Examination of tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are essential for normal mammary gland development.
- Tumor-associated macrophages promote breast cancer growth and progression.
- Macrophage functions in cancer often mirror those in wound healing.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages play a critical, context-dependent role in breast tissue.
- Understanding macrophage-microenvironment interactions is key for targeting breast cancer.
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