The therapeutic potential of TREM2 in cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic targets and combinatorial approaches.
• Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a transmembrane receptor primarily known for its role in microglial function.
• Recent research indicates TREM2 expression in epithelial tumor cells and intratumoral myeloid cells, expanding its relevance beyond neurodegenerative diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of TREM2 in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene when expressed by epithelial tumor cells.
• To examine the immunosuppressive functions of TREM2-expressing intratumoral macrophages.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting TREM2, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating TREM2 expression and function in various cancer types.
• Analysis of TREM2's involvement in epithelial tumor cell behavior (tumor suppression vs. oncogenesis).
• Evaluation of TREM2's role in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment, focusing on macrophages.

Main Results:

• TREM2 expression in epithelial tumor cells can exhibit both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic activities.
• TREM2-expressing intratumoral macrophages contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
• Targeting TREM2 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for specific cancers.

Conclusions:

• TREM2 is a multifaceted molecule with significant implications in cancer biology.
• The dual role of TREM2 in tumor cells and its immunosuppressive function in macrophages highlight its complex involvement in cancer.
• Targeting TREM2, especially in conjunction with immune checkpoint therapy, represents a promising avenue for novel cancer treatments.