Myeloid Cell Reprogramming and Immune Suppression
Amit Grover1, Evgenii N Tcyganov2, Dmitry I Gabrilovich2
1Immuno-Oncology, Circuits-Engagers, & Cell Therapy, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
Annual Review of Physiology
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Myeloid cell plasticity allows immune cells like macrophages and neutrophils to reprogram. Understanding pathological polarization is key for developing targeted therapies against diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Myeloid cell plasticity enables versatile immune functions through reprogramming.
- Macrophages and neutrophils exhibit distinct classical and pathological polarization states.
- Pathological polarization is linked to chronic inflammation, cancer, and immune suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current characterization of myeloid cell polarization states.
- To explore transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic drivers of myeloid cell reprogramming.
- To highlight the impact of cytokines and tissue microenvironments on myeloid cell polarization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of myeloid cell plasticity and polarization.
- Analysis of factors influencing myeloid cell reprogramming.
- Examination of cytokine and tissue-specific influences (e.g., tumor hypoxia).
Main Results:
- Myeloid cells reprogram in response to environmental cues.
- Classical polarization supports antimicrobial activity and inflammation.
- Pathological polarization involves immune suppression and aberrant functions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding myeloid cell reprogramming mechanisms is crucial.
- Pathological polarization offers therapeutic targets.
- Modulating myeloid cell activity can lead to novel interventions.
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