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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
In Vitro Assay to Study Tumor-macrophage Interaction
Published on: August 1, 2019
Oncolytic virus and tumor-associated macrophage interactions in cancer immunotherapy
Marc Lecoultre1,2, Paul R Walker3,4, Aya El Helali5
1Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
Oncolytic viruses (OV) are a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Their capacity to promote anti-tumoral immunity locally raises hope that cancers unresponsive to current immunotherapy approaches could be tackled more efficiently. In this context, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) must be considered because of their pivotal role in cancer immunity. Even though TAM tend to inhibit anti-tumoral responses, their ability to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and phagocytose cancer cells can be harnessed to promote therapeutic cancer immunity. OVs have the potential to promote TAM pro-inflammatory functions that favor anti-tumoral immunity. But in parallel, TAM pro-inflammatory functions induce OV clearance in the tumor, thereby limiting OV efficacy and highlighting that the interaction between OV and TAM is a double edge sword. Moreover, engineered OVs were recently developed to modulate specific TAM functions such as phagocytic activity. The potential of circulating monocytes to deliver OV into the tumor after intravenous administration is also emerging. In this review, we will present the interaction between OV and TAM, the potential of engineered OV to modulate specific TAM functions, and the promising role of circulating monocytes in OV delivery to the tumor.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) show promise in cancer immunotherapy by boosting anti-tumoral immunity. Understanding the dual role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is key to optimizing OV therapy and overcoming treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy, particularly for treatment-resistant cancers.
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in cancer immunity, with a dual function that can either inhibit or promote anti-tumoral responses.
- The interaction between OVs and TAMs is complex, influencing both therapeutic efficacy and viral clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate interactions between oncolytic viruses (OVs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs).
- To explore the potential of engineered OVs in modulating TAM functions for enhanced anti-cancer immunity.
- To discuss the emerging role of circulating monocytes in delivering OVs for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the interplay between OVs and TAMs.
- Analysis of studies on engineered OVs designed to modulate TAM functions.
- Examination of research on monocyte-based OV delivery systems.
Main Results:
- OVs can promote TAM pro-inflammatory functions that enhance anti-tumoral immunity.
- TAMs' pro-inflammatory functions can also lead to rapid OV clearance, limiting therapeutic effectiveness.
- Engineered OVs and monocyte delivery strategies show potential for overcoming these limitations.
Conclusions:
- The OV-TAM interaction presents a double-edged sword that requires careful consideration for effective cancer immunotherapy.
- Modulating TAM functions through engineered OVs offers a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes.
- Leveraging circulating monocytes for OV delivery represents a novel approach to enhance tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy.
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