Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Origin, Polarization, Function, and Reprogramming.

Sen Yang,Quan Liao,Qiaofei Liu

doi:10.3389/fcell.2020.607209

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy. PDAC is only cured by surgical resection in its early stage, but there remains a relatively high possibility of recurrence. The development of PDAC is closely associated with the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immune cell populations in the pancreatic tumor stroma. TAMs are inclined to M2 deviation in the tumor microenvironment, which promotes and supports tumor behaviors, including tumorigenesis, immune escape, metastasis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the latest researches on the origin, polarization, functions, and reprogramming of TAMs in PDAC.

Highlights

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma takes a proportion of 85% in pancreatic cancer cases and is still one of the most malignant tumors with 5-year overall survival of less than 10% (Foucher et al, 2018)
Current researches have emphasized Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) polarization defined as an educated phenotype of macrophages in line with surrounding immune conditions, almost accepted by all modulations from various environmental factors in Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stroma
Reprogramming the M2 phenotype of TAMs can effectively alter the immune state of the tumor microenvironment and revive the antitumor activity of the immune system

Summary

Introduction

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma takes a proportion of 85% in pancreatic cancer cases and is still one of the most malignant tumors with 5-year overall survival of less than 10% (Foucher et al, 2018). ADCC via surface Fc receptors on the macrophages, secreting cytotoxic factors such as TNF, and presenting of tumor antigens to activate specific T-cell immune response.

Results

Conclusion