Tumor-associated macrophages in tumor metastasis: biological roles and clinical therapeutic applications
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 12 July 2019
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Journal of Hematology & Oncology
- Vol. 12 (1), 1-16
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-019-0760-3
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a major contributor to the death of cancer patients. It is driven not only by the intrinsic alterations in tumor cells, but also by the implicated cross-talk between cancer cells and their altered microenvironment components. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the key cells that create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by producing cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and triggering the inhibitory immune checkpoint proteins release in T cells. In doing so, TAMs exhibit important functions in facilitating a metastatic cascade of cancer cells and, meanwhile, provide multiple targets of certain checkpoint blockade immunotherapies for opposing tumor progression. In this article, we summarize the regulating networks of TAM polarization and the mechanisms underlying TAM-facilitated metastasis. Based on the overview of current experimental evidence dissecting the critical roles of TAMs in tumor metastasis, we discuss and prospect the potential applications of TAM-focused therapeutic strategies in clinical cancer treatment at present and in the future.Keywords
This publication has 168 references indexed in Scilit:
- Differential macrophage programming in the tumor microenvironmentTrends in Immunology, 2012
- VCAM-1 Promotes Osteolytic Expansion of Indolent Bone Micrometastasis of Breast Cancer by Engaging α4β1-Positive Osteoclast ProgenitorsCancer Cell, 2011
- Macrophage Binding to Receptor VCAM-1 Transmits Survival Signals in Breast Cancer Cells that Invade the LungsCancer Cell, 2011
- Paired Immunoglobin-like Receptor-B Regulates the Suppressive Function and Fate of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor CellsImmunity, 2011
- Extracellular matrix: A gatekeeper in the transition from dormancy to metastatic growthEuropean Journal of Cancer, 2010
- Matrix Metalloproteinases: Regulators of the Tumor MicroenvironmentCell, 2010
- Macrophage Diversity Enhances Tumor Progression and MetastasisCell, 2010
- Stromal cell‐derived CSF‐1 blockade prolongs xenograft survival of CSF‐1‐negative neuroblastomaInternational Journal of Cancer, 2009
- Stabilization of Snail by NF-κB Is Required for Inflammation-Induced Cell Migration and InvasionCancer Cell, 2009
- The other side of MMPs: Protective roles in tumor progressionCancer and Metastasis Reviews, 2007