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Role of CD68 in the tumor immune microenvironment in Hodgkin's lymphoma
Valeria Tomarchio1, Luigi Rigacci1,2
1Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Roma, Italy.
Insights
High CD68 macrophage infiltration in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) indicates poor prognosis and aids in identifying high-risk patients. Targeting these macrophages may offer new therapeutic strategies for refractory disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) has a high cure rate, but refractory cases pose treatment challenges.
- Reed Sternberg Cells (HRSC) are central to cHL, but the tumor microenvironment significantly influences disease progression.
- Immune cell interactions, chemokines, and cytokines within the tumor microenvironment are critical for cHL pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the role of CD68 macrophages in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.
- To examine the interaction between CD68 macrophages, HRSC, and the cHL milieu.
- To discuss the clinical impact and therapeutic potential of targeting CD68 macrophages in cHL.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current significant studies on CD68 macrophages in cHL.
- Analysis of the protumor role of CD68 macrophages in supporting HRSC survival.
- Examination of the correlation between CD68 macrophage infiltration and patient prognosis.
Main Results:
- CD68+ macrophages act as 'protumor' cells, supporting HRSC survival via cell-to-cell and paracrine interactions.
- Increased infiltration of CD68 macrophages is associated with a poorer prognosis in cHL patients.
- The review provides an updated perspective on CD68 macrophages in cHL, highlighting their clinical significance.
Conclusions:
- Elevated baseline CD68 macrophages in cHL patients can identify high-risk individuals and inform treatment decisions for refractory disease.
- Macrophage-targeted strategies, combined with chemotherapy or biological therapy, represent a promising future therapeutic avenue for cHL.
Introduction:
Despite the high rate of cure in classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL), some patients experienced a refractory disease, sometimes, hardly curable. In the pathogenesis of cHL, Reed Sternberg Cells (HRSC), which represent only less than 1% of tumor cells, are not the only protagonist; in fact, the role of tumor microenvironment is essential in survival, tumor growth, and progression of the disease due to the interaction between immune cells, chemokines, and cytokines.
Areas Covered:
In this review, the current significant literature was discussed. Many studies demonstrated the role of macrophages CD68+ as 'protumor', especially in supporting HRSC survival through cell-to-cell and paracrine interactions. Increased infiltration of CD68 macrophages correlate with a poor prognosis. This review examines the interaction between CD68 macrophages, HRSC and cHL milieu, and the consequent clinical impact, providing an up-do-date portrait of these immune cells with possible translational and therapeutic applications.
Expert Opinion:
We can suggest that a high baseline CD68 macrophages in cHL patients could contribute to the identification of high-risk patients and help clinicians to choose the best treatment, in the context of refractory disease. A macrophage target strategy in association with chemotherapy or biological therapy could represent a promising approach for future studies and investigations.
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