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Tumor-associated Macrophages (TAMs) in Cancer Resistance; Modulation by Natural Products

Holya A Lafta1, Ali H AbdulHussein2, Saif A J Al-Shalah3

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratories, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|February 1, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor growth and drug resistance. Natural compounds like melatonin and curcumin can modulate TAMs, potentially enhancing anti-tumor immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME), promoting tumor progression, immune suppression, and resistance to anticancer therapies.
  • TAMs interact with various cells within the TME, including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, impairing anti-tumor immune responses.
  • Through growth factors like TGF-β and cross-talk with regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and cancer cells, TAMs drive proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on the modulatory effects of naturally derived agents on TAMs.
  • Focuses on agents such as melatonin, curcumin, resveratrol, and apigenin, highlighting their potential to reprogram TAMs within the TME.
  • Explores how these natural compounds can counteract TAM-mediated immunosuppression and promote anti-tumor immunity.

Key Points:

  • TAMs contribute significantly to tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance.
  • Natural compounds, including flavonoids, melatonin, and curcumin, demonstrate potential in modulating TAM functions.
  • Targeting TAMs with these natural agents offers a promising strategy to overcome tumor resistance and enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Modulating TAMs with natural agents represents a viable strategy to inhibit tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
  • These natural compounds may enhance anti-tumor immunity by reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME orchestrated by TAMs.
  • Further research into these naturally derived agents could lead to novel therapeutic adjuvants for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
CancerFlavonoidsImmune systemNatural agents.PolarizationTumor microenvironment (TME)Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)

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