Abstract

The M1/M2 macrophage paradigm plays a key role in tumor progression. M1 macrophages are historically regarded as anti-tumor, while M2-polarized macrophages, commonly deemed tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are contributors to many pro-tumorigenic outcomes in cancer through angiogenic and lymphangiogenic regulation, immune suppression, hypoxia induction, tumor cell proliferation, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) can influence macrophage recruitment and polarization, giving way to these pro-tumorigenic outcomes. Investigating TME-induced macrophage polarization is critical for further understanding of TAM-related pro-tumor outcomes and potential development of new therapeutic approaches. This review explores the current understanding of TME-induced macrophage polarization and the role of M2-polarized macrophages in promoting tumor progression.

Keywords

Tumor microenvironmentMacrophage polarizationMacrophageTumor-associated macrophageTumor progressionImmune systemCancer researchM2 MacrophageMetastasisBiologyImmunologyMedicineCancerInternal medicineIn vitro

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Publication Info

Year
2021
Type
review
Volume
22
Issue
13
Pages
6995-6995
Citations
1389
Access
Closed

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Ava J. Boutilier, Sherine F. Elsawa (2021). Macrophage Polarization States in the Tumor Microenvironment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences , 22 (13) , 6995-6995. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22136995

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DOI
10.3390/ijms22136995