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Published on: November 28, 2019
Targeting macrophage anti-tumor activity to suppress melanoma progression
Huafeng Wang1, Lijuan Zhang1,2, Luhong Yang1
1Modern College of Arts and Science, or School of Life Science, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, China.
Abstract:
By phagocytosing cancer cells and their cellular debris, macrophages play a critical role in nonspecific defense (innate immunity) and, as antigen presenters, they help initiate specific defense mechanisms (adaptive immunity). Malignant melanoma is a lethal disease due to its aggressive capacity for metastasis and resistance to therapy. For decades, considerable effort has gone into development of an effective immunotherapy for treatment of metastatic melanoma. In this review, we focus on the anti-tumor activities of macrophages in melanoma and their potential as therapeutic targets in melanoma. Although macrophages can be re-educated through intercellular signaling to promote tumor survival owing to their plasticity, we expect that targeting the anti-tumor activity of macrophages remains a promising strategy for melanoma inhibition. The combination of tumoricidal macrophage activation and other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, may provide an effective and comprehensive anti-melanoma strategy.
Insights
Macrophages are key immune cells in fighting melanoma. Targeting their anti-tumor functions offers a promising strategy for melanoma inhibition, potentially combined with other therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Cancer Biology
- Focuses on the dual role of macrophages in innate and adaptive immunity, specifically within the context of melanoma.
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is a highly lethal cancer due to its metastatic potential and resistance to conventional treatments.
- Developing effective immunotherapies for metastatic melanoma has been a long-standing challenge in oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-tumor activities of macrophages in melanoma.
- To explore the potential of targeting macrophages as a therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on macrophage functions in melanoma.
- Analysis of intercellular signaling pathways that influence macrophage plasticity and tumor interaction.
Main Results:
- Macrophages exhibit plasticity, with the potential to promote tumor survival through re-education.
- Despite plasticity, macrophages possess inherent anti-tumor activities that can be harnessed.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the anti-tumor functions of macrophages is a promising strategy for melanoma inhibition.
- Combining macrophage-activating therapies with conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy may offer a comprehensive anti-melanoma approach.
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