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Published on: May 14, 2021
Preclinical Nanoparticle Approaches Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Breast Cancer: From Mechanisms to
Jiahui Teng1,2, Xiaorong Zhang2, Chunxiao Shen1,2
1The First Clinical Medical School, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi,People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key mediators in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to poor prognosis and reducing immunotherapy efficacy. This review examines the dual roles of TAMs in breast cancer progression. TAMs are known to promote tumor development through angiogenesis, immune evasion, and metastasis, while M1-polarized TAMs conversely enhance antitumor immunity. Herein, the nanoparticle-based strategies targeting TAMs presented in preclinical research are explored, including reprogramming M2 to M1 macrophages, delivering MYC inhibitors, depleting TAMs, and inhibiting TAM recruitment. Integration with immune checkpoint inhibitors is also discussed. Challenges in translating these nanoparticle approaches from preclinical models to clinical practice are further addressed, with an emphasis placed on human-relevant models, optimized production processes, and personalized therapeutic approaches.
Insights
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a dual role in breast cancer, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. Nanoparticle strategies targeting TAMs show promise for improving immunotherapy efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women globally.
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), hindering treatment.
- TAMs have complex roles, promoting tumor progression but also potentially enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual roles of TAMs in breast cancer.
- To explore nanoparticle-based strategies for targeting TAMs in preclinical research.
- To discuss challenges and future directions for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical studies on TAM-targeting nanoparticles.
- Analysis of strategies including macrophage reprogramming, drug delivery, depletion, and recruitment inhibition.
- Discussion of integration with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Main Results:
- TAMs can promote angiogenesis, immune evasion, and metastasis.
- M1-polarized TAMs exhibit anti-tumor properties.
- Nanoparticle strategies show potential for modulating TAM functions and enhancing immunotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeting TAMs with nanoparticles offers a promising therapeutic avenue for breast cancer.
- Overcoming challenges in clinical translation requires human-relevant models and personalized approaches.
- Further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle production and clinical application.
