Enhanced lipid accumulation and metabolism are required for the differentiation and activity of tumor-associated macrophages in multiple myeloma

Abstract

Heterogeneity of macrophages (MΦs) has long been recognized as the result of the plasticity and versatility of these cells to different microenvironmental stimuli. In multiple myeloma, tumor-associate macrophages (TAMs) have been shown to regulate many critical processes associated with malignancy including promotion of tumor cell growth, drug resistance, metastasis, induction of angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Activated MΦs show changes in their metabolism, which are associated with cellular function.