The promising role of tumor-associated macrophages in the treatment of cancer

Hongbin Wang; Xueying Wang; Xin Zhang; Wanhai Xu

doi:10.1016/j.drup.2023.101041

The promising role of tumor-associated macrophages in the treatment of cancer

Drug Resist Updat. 2024 Mar:73:101041. doi: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101041. Epub 2024 Jan 3.

Authors

Hongbin Wang¹, Xueying Wang², Xin Zhang², Wanhai Xu³

Affiliations

¹ NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Department of Surgical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, PR China. Electronic address: wanghongbin@hrbmu.edu.cn.
² Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, PR China; Otolaryngology Major Disease Research Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, PR China.
³ NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Molecular Probe and Targeted Theranostics, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Scientific Research in Urology, Harbin Medical University, PR China; Department of Urology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, PR China. Electronic address: xuwanhai@hrbmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 38198845
DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101041

Abstract

Macrophages are important components of the immune system. Mature macrophages can be recruited to tumor microenvironment that affect tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune suppression, as well as chemotherapy resistance. Classically activated type I macrophages (M1) exhibited marked tumor killing and phagocytosis. Therefore, using macrophages for adoptive cell therapy has attracted attention and become one of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment. Through cytokines and/or chemokines, macrophage can inhibit myeloid cells recruitment, and activate anti-tumor and immune killing functions. Applying macrophages for anti-tumor delivery is one of the most promising approaches for cancer therapy. This review article introduces the role of macrophages in tumor development and drug resistance, and the possible clinical application of targeting macrophages for overcoming drug resistance and enhancing cancer therapeutics, as well as its challenges.

Keywords: Drug resistance; Immunotherapy; M1; M2; Polarization; Tumor-associated macrophages.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cytokines
Humans
Macrophages
Neoplasms* / pathology
Tumor Microenvironment
Tumor-Associated Macrophages*

Substances

Cytokines