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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Published on: June 23, 2013
Macrophage polarization in hematologic cancers: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies
Zhi-Gang Chen1,2, Huan Yang1,2, Chao Yang1
1Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
Abstract:
Leukemia treatment faces persistent challenges, including chemotherapy resistance and relapse, highlighting macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a therapeutic target. Macrophages dynamically shift between antitumor M1 and protumor M2 phenotypes, with M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) dominating leukemia TMEs. These cells secrete IL-10 and TGF-β, fostering immune evasion, angiogenesis, and leukemia stem cell (LSC) survival. In AML, M2 TAMs correlate with poor prognosis and chemoresistance via CSF-1/IL-10 signaling. Polarization is regulated by transcription factors (STAT6, PPARγ, KLF4), hypoxia, and metabolic reprogramming. Therapeutic strategies focus on: (1) M2 depletion (anti-CD163/CD206 antibodies); (2) Pathway inhibition (CCL2/CCR2 or IL-4/STAT6 blockade); (3) Metabolic modulation (glycolysis/OXPHOS targeting); and (4) Phagocytosis enhancement (CD47-SIRPα blockade, HDAC6 inhibition). Preclinical studies demonstrate CSF-1R inhibitors (e.g., pexidartinib) disrupt LSC-TAM crosstalk, while CAR-M therapy synergizes with phagocytosis-promoting agents. Despite challenges, macrophage-targeted therapies offer transformative potential by remodeling the TME, overcoming resistance, and augmenting immunotherapy. This review outlines mechanistic insights and translational strategies to harness macrophage plasticity for leukemia treatment.
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