Nanomaterials-Involved Tumor-Associated Macrophages' Reprogramming for Antitumor Therapy

Shu-Lan Li1, Hua-Ying Hou1, Xu Chu2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Separation Membrane and Membrane Process, School of Chemistry & School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, P. R. China.

ACS Nano
|February 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Nanomaterials can reprogram tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from a tumor-promoting M2 state to an anti-tumor M1 state. This reprogramming strategy enhances cancer immunotherapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Immunology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment (TME), influencing tumor development through secreted factors.
  • TAMs exist as distinct phenotypes: M1 (tumoricidal) and M2 (protumoral), with M2-TAMs suppressing anti-tumor immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in using nanomaterials for reprogramming TAMs.
  • To explore strategies for converting immunosuppressive M2-TAMs to immunostimulatory M1-TAMs to improve immunotherapy efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of literature on nanomaterial-based TAM reprogramming.
  • Summarization of various nanomaterials and their reprogramming mechanisms.
  • Analysis of reprogramming strategies for TAMs.

Main Results:

  • Nanomaterials offer controllable structures and properties for modulating TAM phenotypes.
  • Diverse nanomaterials demonstrate significant potential in reprogramming TAMs from M2 to M1.
  • Effective TAM reprogramming is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.

Conclusions:

  • Nanomaterial-driven TAM reprogramming presents a promising avenue for developing novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research into TAM regulators and nanomedicine is essential for advancing TAM-mediated immunotherapy.
  • Addressing current challenges will pave the way for more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions.

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