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Published on: February 1, 2020
Roles of M1 Macrophages and Their Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Therapy
Wenli Zhou1, Fengtang Yang1, Xiuzhen Zhang1
1School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China.
Abstract:
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are inflammatory cells that are important components of the tumor microenvironment. TAMs are functionally heterogeneous and divided into two main subpopulations with distinct and opposite functions: M1 and M2 macrophages. The secretory function of TAMs is essential for combating infections, regulating immune responses, and promoting tissue repair. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanovesicles that are secreted by cells. They play a crucial role in mediating intercellular information transfer between cells. EVs can be secreted by almost all types of cells, and they contain proteins, microRNAs, mRNAs, and even long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have been retained from the parental cell through the process of biogenesis. EVs can influence the function and behavior of target cells by delivering their contents, thus reflecting, to some extent, the characteristics of their parental cells. Here, we provide an overview of the role of M1 macrophages and their EVs in cancer therapy by exploring the impact of M1 macrophage-derived EVs (M1-EVs) on tumors by transferring small microRNAs. Additionally, we discuss the potential of M1-EVs as drug carriers and the possibility of reprogramming M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages for disease treatment. We propose that M1-EVs play a crucial role in cancer therapy by transferring microRNAs and loading them with drugs. Reprogramming M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages holds great promise in the treatment of cancers.
Insights
M1 macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (M1-EVs) show promise in cancer therapy by delivering microRNAs and drugs. Reprogramming M2 macrophages to M1 may also enhance cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting functional heterogeneity.
- TAMs exist as M1 and M2 subpopulations with opposing roles in immune response and tissue repair.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication, carrying molecular cargo like microRNAs from parent cells to target cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of M1 macrophage-derived EVs (M1-EVs) in cancer treatment.
- To explore the impact of M1-EVs on tumors via microRNA transfer.
- To discuss M1-EVs as drug delivery vehicles and the strategy of reprogramming M2 macrophages to M1.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on M1-EVs and their role in cancer.
- Analysis of microRNA transfer mechanisms by M1-EVs.
- Exploration of M2 to M1 macrophage reprogramming strategies.
Main Results:
- M1-EVs can transfer microRNAs to tumor cells, influencing their behavior.
- M1-EVs demonstrate potential as carriers for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy.
- Reprogramming M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages presents a viable therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- M1-EVs are significant in cancer therapy through microRNA delivery and drug loading.
- Reprogramming M2 macrophages to M1 offers a promising strategy for cancer treatment.
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