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In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
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.
Abstract:
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play pivotal roles in tumor development. As primary contents of tumor environment (TME), TAMs secrete inflammation-related substances to regulate tumoral occurrence and development. There are two kinds of TAMs: the tumoricidal M1-like TAMs and protumoral M2-like TAMs. Reprogramming TAMs from immunosuppressive M2 to immunocompetent M1 phenotype is considered a feasible way to improve immunotherapeutic efficiency. Notably, nanomaterials show great potential for biomedical fields due to their controllable structures and properties. There are many types of nanomaterials that exhibit great regulatory activities for TAMs' reprogramming. In this review, the recent progress of nanomaterials-involved TAMs' reprogramming is comprehensively discussed. The various nanomaterials for TAMs' reprogramming and the reprogramming strategies are summarized and introduced. Additionally, the challenges and perspectives of TAMs' reprogramming for efficient therapy are discussed, aiming to provide inspiration for TAMs' regulator design and promote the development of TAMs-mediated immunotherapy.
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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The Tumor Microenvironment
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