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In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
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Beyond the M-CSF receptor - novel therapeutic targets in tumor-associated macrophages

Stefano Bonelli1,2, Xenia Geeraerts1,2, Evangelia Bolli1,2

  • 1Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.

The FEBS Journal
|August 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) drive tumor progression. Targeting their repolarization, rather than just numbers via M-CSF/M-CSFR blockade, may offer superior anti-tumor effects.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are key regulators of tumor progression.
  • TAM influence tumor immunity, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
  • Current strategies focus on blocking M-CSF/M-CSFR signaling to reduce TAM numbers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current research on therapeutic targets within TAM.
  • To explore strategies beyond M-CSF/M-CSFR blockade for anti-TAM therapies.
  • To highlight novel approaches for repolarizing TAM towards an anti-tumor phenotype.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on TAM.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting TAM.
  • Discussion of novel intervention approaches including small molecules and biologics.

Main Results:

  • TAM play a critical role in tumor progression.
  • Blocking M-CSF/M-CSFR signaling impacts TAM numbers.
  • Repolarizing TAM offers a promising alternative therapeutic strategy.
  • Altering TAM localization, metabolism, and regulatory pathways are potential targets.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting TAM is a crucial area in cancer therapy.
  • Repolarizing TAM may be more effective than reducing their numbers.
  • New therapeutic strategies, including biologics, are emerging to complement existing treatments.
Keywords:
M-CSF receptorbiologicalsimmunotherapymetabolismsmall molecule inhibitorstumor microenvironmenttumor-associated macrophages

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