Review Article
New insights into the role of macrophages in tumor immunotherapy
Hu Guorong, Yin Wen, Han Jieli, Xiao Yang, Hu Yi
Published 2024-01-12
Cite as Chin J Tuberc Respir Dis, 2024, 47(1): 75-81. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112147-20230816-00081
Abstract
Macrophages are the main components of the innate immunity system, derived mainly from blood monocytes, and help the host to defend itself against many pathogens and cancers. Most established tumors can educate macrophages into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which contribute to tumor growth, invasion and metastasis, as well as resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, when appropriately activated, macrophages can also exert anti-tumor effects through enhanced phagocytosis and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. In addition, TAMs are associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance, including immunotherapies, suggesting that macrophages are attractive targets as part of combination therapy in cancer treatment. Herein, we review the recent findings on the role of macrophages in tumor development, metastasis and immunotherapy. We focus mainly on macrophage-centered therapy, including strategies to reduce and reshape TAMs, to represent potential targets for tumor immunotherapy.
Contributor Information
Hu Guorong
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases, Wuhan 430014, China
Yin Wen
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases, Wuhan 430014, China
Han Jieli
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases, Wuhan 430014, China
Xiao Yang
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases, Wuhan 430014, China
Hu Yi
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases, Wuhan 430014, China
