Cancer‐promoting tumor‐associated macrophages: New vistas and open questions

A Mantovani, G Germano, F Marchesi… - European journal of …, 2011 - Wiley Online Library
A Mantovani, G Germano, F Marchesi, M Locatelli, SK Biswas
European journal of immunology, 2011Wiley Online Library
Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor
macroenvironment. Cancer‐and host cell‐derived signals generally drive the functions of
TAMs towards an M2‐like polarized, tumor‐propelling mode; however, when appropriately
re‐educated. TAMs also have the potential to elicit tumor destructive reactions. Here, we
discuss recent advances regarding the immunobiology of TAMs and highlight open
questions including the mechanisms of their accumulation (recruitment versus proliferation) …
Abstract
Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor macroenvironment. Cancer‐ and host cell‐derived signals generally drive the functions of TAMs towards an M2‐like polarized, tumor‐propelling mode; however, when appropriately re‐educated. TAMs also have the potential to elicit tumor destructive reactions. Here, we discuss recent advances regarding the immunobiology of TAMs and highlight open questions including the mechanisms of their accumulation (recruitment versus proliferation), their diversity and how to best therapeutically target these cells.
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