Abstract
Macrophages, which have functions of engulfing and digesting foreign substances, can clear away harmful matter, including cellular debris and tumor cells. Based on the condition of the internal environment, circulating monocytes give rise to mature macrophages, and when they are recruited into the tumor microenvironment and in suitable conditions, they are converted into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Generally, macrophages grow into two main groups called classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2). M2 and a small fraction of M1 cells, also known as TAMs, not only lack the function of phagocytizing tumor cells but also help these tumor cells escape from being killed and help them spread to other tissues and organs. In this review, we introduce several mechanisms by which macrophages play a role in the immune regulation of tumor cells, including both killing factors and promoting effects. Furthermore, the targeted therapy for treating tumors based on macrophages is also referred to in our review. We confirm that further studies of macrophage-focused therapeutic strategies and their use in clinical practice are needed to verify their superior efficacy and potential in cancer treatment.
Highlights
Macrophages, which are a type of white blood cells of the mononuclear phagocyte immune system, play vitally important roles in anti-infective immunity, the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and the protection of our body through the functions of engulfing and digesting foreign substances [1, 2]
Based on the conditions of the internal environment, such as the presence of chemokines, cytokines, and other factors secreted by tumor cells, mesenchymal cells, and immune cells, and the presence of local anoxia, inflammation, and high levels of lactic acid, the monocytic series in the blood are recruited to the tumor microenvironment and become tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) [3, 4]
This review introduces the origin, classification and immune function of macrophages and further explores the mechanisms of the participation of macrophages in tumor microenvironment
Summary
This review is based on the interaction of macrophages and tumor cells, and summarizes the origin, function, and classification of macrophages. Emphasis is placed on the dual role of macrophages in tumor cells and targeted therapy of related binding sites. The existing reviews about macrophages and the interaction with tumor cells are not a few, but the most are focused on one of the recognition mechanisms, illustrating its molecular mechanism in detail. Based on the research findings in recent years, this review summarizes a variety of related mechanisms, sorts out and reintegration them to make them systematic. We provide new ideas about tumor targeted therapy. Regarding tumor-targeted therapy, this review classifies them in treatment methods and sites to make the relevant treatment ideas clearer. There are still some methods that need further research, and this review explains and looks forward to the progress of the new step
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