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Macrophages: Key orchestrators of a tumor microenvironment defined by therapeutic resistance

Kristen B Long1, Arthur I Collier1, Gregory L Beatty2

  • 1Department of Biology, Mansfield University, Mansfield, PA 16933, USA.

Molecular Immunology
|December 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages are key players in cancer progression, promoting tumor growth and resistance to therapy. Targeting these cells offers a promising strategy to enhance anti-cancer treatments and improve immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit plasticity, co-evolving with cancer cells.
  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor development, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
  • TAMs suppress T cell immunosurveillance, hindering effective anti-cancer immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms regulating macrophage recruitment to tumors.
  • To discuss the impact of macrophages on the tumor microenvironment.
  • To highlight macrophages as therapeutic targets for improving cancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on macrophages in cancer.
  • Analysis of mechanisms governing macrophage recruitment and function in the TME.
  • Evaluation of strategies targeting macrophages for anti-cancer therapy.

Main Results:

  • Macrophages are recruited to tumors and adopt phenotypes that support cancer progression.
  • The tumor microenvironment shapes macrophage plasticity, leading to immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance.
  • Targeting macrophages can reverse pro-tumorigenic functions and enhance anti-cancer immunity.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages are critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression.
  • Modulating macrophage activity presents a promising therapeutic avenue to overcome treatment resistance.
  • Targeting macrophages can synergize with existing cytotoxic and immune-based therapies for improved cancer treatment efficacy.
Keywords:
CancerChemotherapyImmunotherapyMacrophagesResistanceTumor

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