Metabolic Regulation of Macrophage Polarization in Cancer

Abstract

Macrophages act as scavengers, modulating the immune response against pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Metabolism governs macrophage differentiation, polarization, mobilization, and the ability to mount an effective antitumor response. However, in cancer, the tumor microenvironment (TME) can actively reprogram macrophage metabolism either by direct exchange of metabolites or through cytokines and other signaling mediators. Thus, metabolic reprogramming holds potential for modulating macrophages and developing new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we provide an overview of macrophage metabolism as it relates to macrophage function and plasticity in cancer.

Keywords: M1–M2 macrophage polarization; MUC1; cancer; immunometabolism; metabolic reprogramming; tumor microenvironment; tumor-associated macrophages.