Targeting Myeloid Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Myeloid cells (monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes) are key regulators of the tumor microenvironment.
• These cells exhibit diverse functions, influencing cancer immunity from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory roles.
• Recent advances reveal myeloid cell heterogeneity and plasticity, driving interest in their therapeutic targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent discoveries in myeloid cell biology within the context of cancer.
• To discuss emerging therapeutic targets, focusing on antibody-based strategies.
• To provide perspectives on clinical translation and optimizing myeloid-directed therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in myeloid cell research in cancer.
• Analysis of single-cell omics and high-dimensional immune profiling data.
• Examination of clinical development of antibody-based myeloid-directed therapies.

Main Results:

• Myeloid cells play a critical, multifaceted role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunity.
• Therapeutic targeting of myeloid cells presents a promising next-generation immunotherapy strategy.
• Antibody-based therapies are emerging as a key modality for myeloid-directed cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Myeloid-directed therapies offer a complementary approach to T cell-centered immunotherapies.
• Fc-engineering and rational antibody design can enhance myeloid cell engagement and effector functions.
• These strategies hold potential to improve the efficacy and durability of cancer treatments.