Systemic Reprogramming of Monocytes in Cancer

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Monocytes are crucial immune cells that infiltrate tumors, differentiating into tumor-associated macrophages.
• The systemic tumor environment influences monocyte development and function before they reach the tumor site.
• Circulating monocytes in cancer patients exhibit altered functions, including immunosuppression and reduced inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cancer-induced changes in monopoiesis and peripheral monocyte abundance and function.
• To describe phenotypical alterations in tumor-educated peripheral blood monocytes.
• To identify knowledge gaps and highlight therapeutic strategies targeting monocyte reprogramming in cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on monopoiesis and peripheral monocyte alterations in cancer.
• Analysis of transcriptomic studies to identify affected cellular functions.
• Discussion of emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Cancer induces systemic changes in monopoiesis, affecting peripheral monocyte numbers and functions.
• Tumor-educated monocytes display distinct phenotypical and functional alterations, often promoting immunosuppression.
• Transcriptomic data suggest broader impacts on monocyte functions than previously recognized.

Conclusions:

• Understanding systemic monocyte reprogramming is vital for cancer immunotherapy.
• Targeting cancer-induced monocyte alterations offers potential therapeutic strategies.
• Peripheral monocytes may serve as valuable clinical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment response.