Redirecting macrophage function to sustain their "defender" antitumor activity

Cancer Cell. 2021 Jun 14;39(6):734-737. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.03.002. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Abstract

Macrophages are multi-functional innate immune cells that occupy normal or pathologic tissues, including cancer tissues. The importance of macrophage ontogeny and the transcriptional networks underlying their functional diversity are underappreciated in immuno-oncology. Here, we discuss the implications of these fundamental characteristics for therapeutically reprogramming macrophages to sustain their tumoricidal activities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / physiology
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology*