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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Recent Insights and Therapies
Jiawei Zhou1,2, Ziwei Tang1,2, Siyang Gao2
1State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Macrophages, which have functions of engulfing and digesting foreign substances, can clear away harmful matter, including cellular debris and tumor cells. Based on the condition of the internal environment, circulating monocytes give rise to mature macrophages, and when they are recruited into the tumor microenvironment and in suitable conditions, they are converted into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Generally, macrophages grow into two main groups called classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). M2 and a small fraction of M1 cells, also known as TAMs, not only lack the function of phagocytizing tumor cells but also help these tumor cells escape from being killed and help them spread to other tissues and organs. In this review, we introduce several mechanisms by which macrophages play a role in the immune regulation of tumor cells, including both killing factors and promoting effects. Furthermore, the targeted therapy for treating tumors based on macrophages is also referred to in our review. We confirm that further studies of macrophage-focused therapeutic strategies and their use in clinical practice are needed to verify their superior efficacy and potential in cancer treatment.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can hinder cancer cell destruction and promote tumor spread. Targeting these macrophages offers a promising strategy for effective cancer treatment, requiring further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in clearing foreign substances and cellular debris.
- Circulating monocytes differentiate into macrophages, which can become tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment.
- Macrophages exist mainly as classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of macrophages in tumor immune regulation.
- To explore mechanisms by which TAMs influence tumor progression and immune evasion.
- To discuss macrophage-targeted therapies for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on macrophage function in cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying macrophage-mediated immune regulation in tumors.
- Examination of current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages.
Main Results:
- TAMs, particularly M2-polarized cells, often suppress anti-tumor immunity and promote tumor cell survival and metastasis.
- Macrophages exhibit dual roles, with some M1 cells contributing to tumor cell killing, while TAMs can exhibit pro-tumorigenic functions.
- Targeted therapies focusing on modulating macrophage functions show potential in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages play complex roles in cancer immunity, with TAMs frequently supporting tumor growth.
- Understanding macrophage polarization and function is critical for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Further research and clinical trials are necessary to validate macrophage-centric therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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