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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports
Published on: November 28, 2019
Dual function of activated PPARγ by ligands on tumor growth and immunotherapy
Mingjun Chen1, Huijie Wang1, Qian Cui1
1School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
As one of the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) members, PPARγ is a ligand binding and activated nuclear hormone receptor, which is an important regulator in metabolism, proliferation, tumor progression, and immune response. Increased evidence suggests that activation of PPARγ in response to ligands inhibits multiple types of cancer proliferation, metastasis, and tumor growth and induces cell apoptosis including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Conversely, some reports suggest that activation of PPARγ is associated with tumor growth. In addition to regulating tumor progression, PPARγ could promote or inhibit tumor immunotherapy by affecting macrophage differentiation or T cell activity. These controversial findings may be derived from cancer cell types, conditions, and ligands, since some ligands are independent of PPARγ activity. Therefore, this review discussed the dual role of PPARγ on tumor progression and immunotherapy.
Insights
Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has a dual role in cancer, potentially inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis but sometimes promoting it. Its impact on cancer immunotherapy also remains complex.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor regulating metabolism, proliferation, and immune responses.
- PPARγ activation has been linked to both inhibition and promotion of cancer progression across various cancer types.
- Its role in tumor immunotherapy, influencing macrophage and T cell activity, is also under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the controversial and dual role of PPARγ in tumor progression.
- To discuss the impact of PPARγ on cancer immunotherapy.
- To explore the reasons behind conflicting findings regarding PPARγ in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating PPARγ in cancer.
- Analysis of research on PPARγ's effects on cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis.
- Examination of studies on PPARγ's influence on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- PPARγ activation inhibits proliferation, metastasis, and growth in several cancers (e.g., breast, colon, lung, bladder) and induces apoptosis.
- Conversely, some studies indicate PPARγ activation is associated with enhanced tumor growth.
- PPARγ modulates tumor immunotherapy by affecting macrophage differentiation and T cell activity, with varied outcomes.
Conclusions:
- PPARγ exhibits a dual role in cancer progression and immunotherapy.
- Conflicting results may stem from differences in cancer cell types, experimental conditions, and specific ligands used.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms and therapeutic potential of PPARγ in oncology.
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