Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2025

Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line
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Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization into an M2-Like Phenotype using a Human Monocyte-Like THP-1 Leukemia Cell Line

Published on: August 2, 2021

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Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton regulates tumour-associated macrophage polarization by reprogramming M2 macrophages

Wei Chen1, Qianyu Guo1, Yi Zhang2

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.

Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|March 5, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) therapy effectively targets tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cervical cancer. Nr-CWS promotes M1 macrophage polarization and inhibits M2 macrophages, potentially reversing immunosuppression.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a crucial role in cervical cancer progression and immune evasion.
  • Targeting TAMs represents a promising strategy for cervical cancer immunotherapy.
  • Nocardia rubra cell wall skeleton (Nr-CWS) is an immunotherapeutic agent with potential anti-tumour effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Nr-CWS on TAMs in cervical cancer.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Nr-CWS action on macrophage polarization.
  • To assess the potential of Nr-CWS in reversing the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Cervical tissue samples from patients with high-risk HPV and CIN were analyzed before and after Nr-CWS treatment.
  • In vivo studies utilized immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to assess macrophage populations.
  • In vitro experiments established a TAM model using THP-1 cells treated with Nr-CWS.

Main Results:

  • Nr-CWS treatment significantly reduced total and M2 macrophage numbers in cervical tissues.
  • A notable increase in M1 macrophage proportion and a decrease in M2 proportion were observed post-Nr-CWS treatment.
  • In vitro, Nr-CWS upregulated M1 markers, downregulated M2 markers, activated STAT1, and inhibited STAT6 pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Nr-CWS effectively modulates TAM polarization from an immunosuppressive M2 phenotype to an anti-tumour M1 phenotype.
  • The STAT1/STAT6 signaling pathways are implicated in Nr-CWS-mediated M2 to M1 macrophage polarization.
  • Nr-CWS holds potential for improving local immune responses and overcoming immunosuppression in cervical cancer.
Keywords:
Nocardia rubra cell wall skeletonmacrophage polarizationtumour‐associated macrophage

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