Targeting tumor-associated macrophages: Critical players in tumor progression and therapeutic strategies (Review)

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and display phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity associated with the stimulation of bioactive molecules within the TME. TAMs predominantly exhibit tumor-promoting phenotypes involved in tumor progression, such as tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression and resistance to therapies. In addition, TAMs have the potential to regulate the cytotoxic elimination and phagocytosis of cancer cells and interact with other immune cells to engage in the innate and adaptive immune systems. In this context, targeting TAMs has been a popular area of research in cancer therapy, and a comprehensive understanding of the complex role of TAMs in tumor progression and exploration of macrophage-based therapeutic approaches are essential for future therapeutics against cancers. The present review provided a comprehensive and updated overview of the function of TAMs in tumor progression, summarized recent advances in TAM-targeting therapeutic strategies and discussed the obstacles and perspectives of TAM-targeting therapies for cancers.

1. Introduction

Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer initiation and progression are determined by genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications and the tumor microenvironment (TME) (1,2). In addition to tumor cells and multiple stromal cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix and tumor vasculature, various signaling molecules coexist and interact within the TME (3). As a complex and dynamic milieu, the TME is orchestrated by multiple cellular and inflammatory components, and each component within the TME represents a potential therapeutic target that may alter the pattern of cancer treatment.

Although various types of immune cells infiltrate the tumor milieu, macrophages are a prominent group of inflammatory cells, also known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). It is widely accepted that TAMs exert a broad spectrum of biological functions in tumors, depending on their environmental cues (4,5). The contrasting polarization states, classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages, are two distinct subtypes that are functionally helpful in the context of pro- and anti-cancer characteristics. TAMs serve as double-edge swords, with a dual role in cancer depending on the context. Furthermore, TAMs have tumoricidal potential by regulating the mediator-dependent cytotoxic elimination and phagocytosis of cancer cells. In addition, they interact with other immune cells to engage in the innate and adaptive immune systems (6,7). In comparison, substantial research findings indicate the close association between the high infiltration of TAMs and cancer progression, including tumor angiogenesis, metastasis and immunosuppression, as well as resistance to therapies (4,6-8). Therefore, combined therapies using TAM-targeting strategies with conventional therapeutic treatments for cancer are promising. Therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs range from limiting the recruitment and differentiation of macrophages to reprogramming and promoting the phagocytic activity of macrophages (6,7,9-11).

This review focuses on the latest advances in exploiting TAMs as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, including the potential role of TAMs in tumor progression, the mechanisms involved and therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for TAM-targeted therapeutics for various cancers were discussed.

2. Origin and heterogeneity of TAMs

It has long been established that TAMs originate from tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) derived from embryonic precursor (yolk sac or fetal liver) and circulation-derived macrophages differentiated from monocytes that are released from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow (Fig. 1) (12-14). TRMs are present during fetal development and persist in most tissues prenatally (15,16). They can self-renew locally throughout one's lifespan and operate independently of adult hematopoiesis (15-17). Based on available evidence, TRMs are endowed with tissue-specific functions associated with regulating tissue repair, maintaining tissue homeostasis and mediating inflammation (16,18). By contrast, short-lived circulation-derived macrophages require constant replenishment by HSCs-derived circulating monocytes differentiated in response to different signaling molecules. The self-renewal of macrophages correlates with a complex transcriptional network in a tissue-specific manner. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is required for the proliferation of macrophages in response to colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), and the activation of ERK1/2 enhances the expression of cyclin-D and c-Myc (19). In addition, CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) promotes the proliferation of macrophages via inducing the MAPK kinase (MEK)5/ERK5 axis, the activation of which supports TAMs proliferation by inhibiting p21 expression (20).

Figure 1.

Origin and heterogeneity of TAMs. Macrophages in tumors are typically produced from bone marrow-derived monocytes or EMP in the yolk sac or fetal liver. Bone marrow-derived monocytes develop from HSC and then differentiate into circulation-derived macrophages, while TRMs originate from EMP in the embryonic yolk sac or fetal liver. Different stimulating factors polarize TAMs towards different subtypes: The M1 and M2 phenotypes. M2 subpopulations occur as a result of specific stimuli. TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; EMP, erythro-myeloid progenitors; HSC, hematopoietic stem cell; TRMs, tissue-resident macrophages; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; Arg, arginase; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; TGF, transforming growth factor; CCL, C-C motif chemokine ligand; CXCL, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand; TLR, Toll-like receptor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; MHC, major histocompatibility complex class; IGF, insulin-like growth factor.

Macrophages are recruited and educated by signaling molecules produced by various components of the TME, including CSF1, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, and chemokines such as C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2 and CCL3 (13,21). The TME also affects the programming of recruited TRMs and circulation-derived macrophages into tumor-specific phenotypes. Within tumor tissues, TRMs exhibit enhanced proliferation ability, and there is increased infiltration of monocytes. Therefore, the macrophages recruited to the tumor site have a crucial role in the regulation of tumor progression.

TAMs exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity and can be roughly divided into two contrasting subtypes, each representing a distinct polarization status: The classically activated M1 subtype and the alternatively activated M2 subtype (Fig. 1) (13,22). These two subtypes of macrophages differ in their different inducing factors, gene expression profiles and functions.

Anti-tumor effective M1 macrophages are polarized in response to lipopolysaccharide, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), granulocyte-macrophage CSF and activated Toll-like receptor (TLR). Phenotypically, M1 macrophages typically express high levels of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), CD86 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), demonstrating pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity (23). In the TME, M1 macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). They also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which have the potential to induce DNA damage in cells, thereby exerting an innate immune response and facilitating the elimination of tumor cells (4,24). In addition to their cytotoxic effects, M1 macrophages can phagocytose tumor cells directly and simultaneously exhibit antigen presentation capability (25). Furthermore, research findings also suggest that M1 macrophages could recruit type 1 helper T (Th1) cells and enhance immune responses to kill tumor cells (26,27).

M2 macrophages, also known as anti-inflammatory and tumor-supporting macrophages, are mainly induced by a variety of proteins such as CSF1, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13, through activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (28). A recent study has found that tumor-derived exsomal enolase 2 accelerated glycolysis via the glycogen synthase kinase 3β/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway to induce M2 polarization of macrophages (29). Phenotypically, M2 macrophages are characterized by the high expression of arginase 1 (Arg1), scavenger receptor (CD163), mannose receptor (CD206) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (30,31). Based on different stimuli and specific functions, M2 macrophages may be further subclassified into M2a, M2b, M2c and M2d. M2a macrophages play a crucial role in promoting cell growth and tissue repair, whereas M2b, M2c and M2d macrophages are involved in inflammatory reactions, phagocytosis and tumor progression, respectively (32-34). Furthermore, M2d macrophages occupy a significant portion of the cellular elements of the TME. Although many researchers tend to regard TAMs as M2 macrophages, particularly M2d macrophages, simply classifying macrophages into M1 and M2 phenotypes oversimplifies the diverse nature of TAMs (35-37). Substantial research findings illustrate that TAMs are characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity, with M1 and M2 macrophages being capable of transitioning into each other in response to changes in the TME or therapeutic interventions (8,33,38). Consequently, TAMs can be conceptualized as existing along a spectrum rather than strictly adhering to the M1 or M2 classification, representing a promising target for cancer therapeutic strategies.

3. TAMs and tumor progression

TAMs are a group of heterogeneous and plastic cells with different functional characteristics, exhibiting a dual function of resisting and promoting tumor progression (4,5,39). A significant number of research findings indicate that TAMs play a supportive role in tumor progression, as demonstrated using clinical research and experimental models. As the research further continues and develops, there is an increasing number of studies indicating that TAMs interact with other components of the TME at various stages of tumor progression and then gradually transform from the anti-tumor phenotype into a tumor-supporting phenotype that accelerates tumor progression. A schematic depiction of the role of TAMs in tumor progression is shown in Fig. 2.

Figure 2.

Role of TAMs in tumor progression. The schematic diagram shows that TAMs play a crucial role in facilitating cancer cell proliferation and survival, promoting angiogenesis, generating resistance to therapy, forming an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and promoting tumor metastasis and metabolic reprogramming. TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; LPS, lipopolysaccharide; GM-CSF, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; ARG, arginase; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; TGF, transforming growth factor; CCL, C-C motif chemokine ligand; CXCL, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand; TLR, Toll-like receptor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; EGF, epidermal growth factor; ROS, reactive oxygen species; ECM, extracellular matrix; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; PD-1, programmed cell death protein 1; HISLA, HIF-1α-stabilizing long noncoding RNA; iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor; ICAM, intercellular adhesion molecule; WNT, wingless/integrated; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; AKT, protein kinase B; JAK, Janus kinase; STAT, signal transducer of activation; ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; VGLL, vestigial-like protein; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor-κB; PGE, prostaglandin E; NK cell, natural killer cell; Treg, regulatory T cell; MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell.

Facilitating the proliferation and survival of cancer cells

In contrast to terminally differentiated normal cells, cancer cells retain the ability to re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate unrestrictedly. Furthermore, TAMs can exacerbate this process. In the TME, TAMs interact with cancer cells by secreting various signaling molecules, including pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6, growth factors such as TGF-β and epidermal growth factor. In addition, TAMs release ROS and RNS, which may create a pro-TME, thereby facilitating unrestricted proliferation and stimulating malignant progression (7,40). In prostate cancer, TAMs directly contact cancer cells and promote the proliferation of cancer cells by enhancing γ-secretase activity and elevating mastermind like transcriptional coactivator 2 expression to activate the NOTCH signaling pathway. By contrast, inhibiting TAM recruitment and NOTCH signaling significantly reduces cancer cell proliferation (41). It has been indicated that IL-6 provides survival benefits to various types of cancer. In vitro, previous findings illustrated that TAMs have a critical role in supporting the survival of multiple myeloma cells by activating the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway (40). TAM-derived IL-6 has also been shown to be involved in the induction of genes critical for cancer cell cycle progression, such as cyclin D and p21, and IL-6-induced cancer cell proliferation could be suppressed by inhibiting the activation of STAT3 signals (42,43). In experimental animal models of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, cancer cells polarized macrophages into the M2-TAM phenotype. This phenotype, in turn, promoted cancer cell proliferation through IL-10/STAT3 signaling (44). Azambuja et al (45) observed that the levels of Arg1, an enzyme mainly expressed on the surface of macrophages, were increased in TAM-derived exosomes, potentially promoting glioblastoma cell proliferation. In addition, hypoxic conditions triggered TAMs to secrete C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)8, which further induced the proliferation of gastric cancer (GC) cells by activating C-X-C motif chemokine receptor (CXCR)1/2 (46). In addition, TNF-α secreted from macrophages activated TNFR1/ERK/vestigial like family member 1 signaling to support the survival of GC cells (47). The above research findings indicate that TAMs have a critical role in facilitating cancer cell proliferation and survival, providing a theoretical basis for targeting TAMs in cancer treatment.

Promoting angiogenesis

Due to the unrestrictedly rapid proliferation and expansion of the tumor mass, the TME in which cancer cells reside often experiences hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Angiogenesis, the process by which a network of blood vessels grows and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the tumor area, becomes crucial under such conditions (48). Studies have indicated a significant increase in the number of macrophages in anoxic areas compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, TAMs are recognized as significant contributors to the angiogenesis process, and the infiltration of TAMs is closely associated with vascular density (49-52). In addition, the depletion of TAMs was demonstrated to delay the angiogenic process (53,54).

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is involved in the stimulation of neovascularization and induces cancer cells to produce proangiogenic factors in hypoxic areas. In response to the hypoxic environment, TAMs activate proangiogenic programs and upregulate several transcription factors, including HIF-1α, which regulate various genes to facilitate angiogenesis (55). In line with this finding, Du et al (56) indicated that HIF-1α could upregulate VEGF expression in hypoxic glioma to promote tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, TAMs secrete various proangiogenic factors, such as VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor, thymidine phosphorylase and angiogenic chemokines (54,57-59). In addition to producing proangiogenic factors, TAMs also express matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs), which can degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby further facilitating the release of proangiogenic factors to govern tumor angiogenesis (60).

In the field of research associated with tumor angiogenesis, emerging studies have shifted their focus from soluble signaling molecules to exosomes, which are small cellular vesicles that originate from cells and carry genetic information. Yang et al (61) found that TAM-derived exosomes carried microRNA (miR)-155-5p and miR-221-5, which they transported to bind to E2F2 in endothelial cells, resulting in the promotion of angiogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Similarly, exosomes originating from TAMs act as carriers that transport miR-501-3p to increase the expression of the angiogenesis-related factor VEGF in PDAC (62). These research findings indicate that targeting TAM-induced angiogenesis may be a potential strategy for cancer treatment.

Generating resistance to treatment

One of the biggest obstacles to achieving a satisfactory therapeutic effect in cancer is the development of resistance to treatment. Accumulating evidence has illustrated that resistance to anti-cancer therapy is determined by the inherent ability of cancer cells and by the reciprocal interaction between cancer cells and nonmalignant cells within the TME, including TAMs (2,7,63). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are common strategies for cancer treatment, and the critical roles of TAMs in these therapies have been widely researched. TAM-mediated chemoresistance was initially demonstrated in a xenograft mouse model experiment, where CSF1 inhibition was able to reverse chemoresistance in breast cancer (64). Subsequently, research extended this initial observation and confirmed higher infiltration of CD45⁺CD11b⁺CD14⁺ macrophages in breast cancer biopsy samples from patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to those who had surgery alone. In the same study, inhibiting the recruitment of macrophages with CSF1R-signaling antagonists improved the cells' chemosensitivity to paclitaxel and slowed primary tumor progression (65). In the prostate, the combined treatment with docetaxel and androgen deprivation led to the recruitment of macrophages into the TME and induced TAMs to release CXCL12. This release, in turn, mediated chemoresistance via CXCR4 activation (66). In colorectal cancer (CRC), TAM activation during 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment led to the excretion of putrescine, a polyamine, protecting CRC cells from 5-FU-induced apoptosis by suppressing the JNK-caspase-3 pathway (67). Similarly, drug-resistant GC cells facilitate M2 polarization of macrophages, leading to the release of CXCL5 by TAMs, promoting chemoresistance of GC cells via activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (68). Exosomes have also been demonstrated to contain chemoresistance-related factors and transfer them to the TME, thereby increasing chemoresistance. For instance, in one study, TAM-derived exosomes containing miR-223 were found to mediate drug resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer through the phosphatase and tensin homolog/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (69). Furthermore, Binenbaum et al (70) also revealed that the exosomal transfer of miR-365 upregulated pyrimidine metabolism and increased triphosphate nucleotide levels to inhibit the effect of gemcitabine on PDAC. These studies suggest that TAMs are potent mediators of chemoresistance and can serve as potential targets to improve chemotherapy sensitivity in cancer patients.

Consistent with chemotherapy, radiotherapy influences the TME in a dynamic and complex manner, impacting its efficacy. Targeting TAMs using CSF1R inhibitors has been confirmed to improve the treatment responses of glioblastomas to radiotherapy (71). In inflammatory breast cancer, co-culturing cancer cells with M2-polarized macrophages promoted resistance to radiotherapy, whereas the inhibition of M2 polarization using phosphopeptide mimetic prodrugs protected against TAM-mediated radioresistance (72). In addition, several other studies reported and validated that TAMs play critical roles in shaping the TME and radioresistance (73-76).

Over the past decades, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown revolutionary benefits in prolonging the survival of patients with cancers. ICIs eliminate immune suppression by binding to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, which serve as critical targets related to the activation or exhaustion of T lymphocytes (77,78). However, TAMs have been demonstrated to contribute to the dysfunction and exhaustion of T lymphocytes through the release of cytokines or metabolites, and the high infiltration of TAMs often correlates with resistance to ICIs (79-82).

Involvement in immunosuppression

As mentioned above, TAMs can induce immunosuppression and promote tumor immune escape via various mechanisms. Research findings have demonstrated that TAMs modify immune cells by inhibiting the activation and/or function of anti-tumor immune cells while increasing the presence of immunosuppressive cells (83). CD8⁺ T cells are cytotoxic T cells that serve as effector cells and have a critical role in the anti-tumor immune response. Arginine metabolism has been demonstrated to be involved in the activation of T cells and immune response regulation, and T cells with increased levels of L-arginine exert improved anti-tumor activity by bolstering survival capacity, metabolic adaptations and T-cell memory phenotypes (84). However, TAMs can inhibit the activity of T cells by secreting Arg1, which metabolizes L-arginine into L-ornithine and urea. Consequently, T cells become unresponsive to tumor antigens (84). Furthermore, L-arginine serves as a substrate for iNOS, and TAM-derived iNOS can mediate the L-arginine catabolic process and lead to T-cell suppression (85). In addition to Arg1 and iNOS, oxygen radicals and RNS derived from TAMs can also inhibit the activation of T cells (86,87).

Numerous studies have indicated that TAMs suppress the functions of CD8⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells by secreting an array of immunosuppressive cytokines. High expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β and prostaglandin E2 influence the immunosuppressive microenvironment by directly inhibiting the effector functions of anti-tumor T cells and NK cells, thereby inducing the expansion of regulatory T (Treg) cells and creating an immunosuppressive TME (88-90). In addition, Smith et al (91) found that IL-10 enhanced N-glycan branching and reduced the co-localization of CD8 with T-cell receptor, ultimately increasing the antigenic threshold required for the activation of T cells. Furthermore, CCL22 derived from TAMs facilitated Treg recruitment into the TME, resulting in the suppression of cytotoxic T-cell responses (92).

The TAM-induced immunosuppressive TME is also regulated by the expression of inhibitory receptors on TAMs. MHC-I molecules have a pivotal role in antigen presentation to T cells and can be divided into either the classical group, which includes human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C), or the nonclassical group, exemplified by HLA-E and HLA-G. Of note, the nonclassical group inhibits the activation of NK cells and T cells by interacting with CD94 and leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B 1 (LILRB1), respectively (93,94). TAMs also express T-cell immune checkpoint ligands such as PD-L1, PD-L2, CD86 and CD80, which bind to the inhibitory receptors PD-1 and CTLA-4 to suppress the function of immune effector cells (95,96). The above findings indicate that TAMs serve as a crucial driver of the immunosuppressive TME and promote tumor progression by inhibiting the immune response and facilitating immune evasion.

Promoting tumor metastasis

Metastasis of cancer cells is an outstanding characteristic of all malignancies and the leading cause of tumor-related deaths, representing a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Tumor metastasis begins with the detachment of cancer cells from the primary site, followed by their invasion through blood or lymphatic vessels, ultimately resulting in the growth of secondary tumors with the same pathological features as the primary site (97). It is within this context that the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) emerges. EMT denotes the process of morphological transformation in which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features and malignant biological properties, including enhanced invasion ability and cancer stem cell-specific characteristics (98). Furthermore, a growing body of research studies highlighted the critical role of TAMs in regulating the EMT process of tumor cells and facilitating invasion from the basement membrane into the surrounding stroma (37,99-101).

In a model of CRC, research demonstrated that TAM-derived IL-6 induced EMT in cancer cells by regulating the JAK2/STAT3/miR-506-3p/forkhead box Q1 axis, which in turn contributed to the release of CCL2 and thereby facilitated the recruitment of macrophages, ultimately resulting in the promotion of CRC metastasis (99). Furthermore, CCL17 secreted from TAMs regulated the TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to promote the EMT and stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (102). In addition, TAMs orchestrated the TME by secreting various cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and ICAM-1, thereby modulating the EMT of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells through the AKT3/PRAS40 signaling pathway (103).

The ECM constitutes a complex network of macromolecules with cellular regulatory and structural roles and serves as a scaffold and surrounding barrier for cancer-cell invasion. Therefore, the degradation of the ECM contributes to the formation of cleavages through which cancer cells can metastasize (104,105). It has been demonstrated that TAMs are capable of mediating ECM degradation and ECM-cell crosstalk by upregulating proteolytic enzymes, including MMP7, MMP9, cathepsins and serine proteases (37,57,99,104,106). In addition, TAM-secreted chitinase 3-like protein 1 interacts with IL-13 receptor α2 chain on the plasma membranes of cancer cells. This interaction activates the MAPK signaling pathway, contributing to the upregulation of MMP genes (107).

The tumor vasculature represents a primary avenue for the metastasis of various malignancies, attracting cancer cells after detachment from the primary tumor site. When cancer cells invade blood vessels, they must avoid being recognized and eliminated by the immune system to reach distant organs and grow up to a certain size. Research findings have indicated that TAMs protect cancer cells against cytotoxic T-cells by contributing to an immunosuppressive TME and promoting the extravasation of metastatic cancer cells from blood vessels (108-110). In addition, earlier studies have demonstrated that TAMs can remodel the vasculature into a leaky and tortuous form, which could facilitate the metastasis of cancer cells (111,112). Furthermore, TAMs are also involved in the process of lymphangiogenesis, which serves as a significant pathway for cancer cells to metastasize to regional lymph nodes and distant organs (59,113,114).

Promoting tumor metabolic reprogramming

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of malignancies, during which the features of metabolic enzymes, regulatory molecules and metabolic products are modified (115). A series of research work has indicated that abnormal metabolites involved in glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism pathways induce tumor-related metabolic reprogramming (116,117). These metabolites are transferred and accumulated in the TME and affect the metabolism of recipient cells to promote tumor progression (118). In particular, metabolites deriving from cancer cells, mast cells, T cells, adipocytes and cancer-associated fibroblasts can be ingested by TAMs and affect their polarization and function (4,119). In turn, TAMs are capable of promoting tumor progression via reprogramming tumor metabolism. A study indicated that TAMs transmitted an extracellular vesicle-packaged long noncoding (lnc)RNA, HIF-1α-stabilizing lncRNA (HISLA), to breast cancer cells, and subsequently enhanced their ability of aerobic glycolysis and apoptotic resistance. In terms of the mechanism, HISLA inhibited the hydroxylation and degradation of HIF-1α by blocking the interaction between HIF-1α and PHD2 (120). Tumor hypoxia and aerobic glycolysis have been demonstrated to promote resistance to anti-tumor treatment (121,122). Jeong et al (123) found that TAM-derived TNF-α promoted the glycolysis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and facilitated tumor hypoxia by increasing AMP-activated protein kinase and PPAR-γ coactivator 1-α. On the contrary, depleting TAMs could abrogate tumor hypoxia and aerobic glycolysis, thereby resulting in an improved therapeutic effect of PD-L1 (123). Furthermore, several other studies indicated that TAMs released cytokines with metabolic function, including IL-6, CCL5 and CCL18, to alter tumor metabolism (124-126). The blockade of metabolic pathways involved in TAMs can be used for drug discovery and tumor treatment.

4. Therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs

Therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs show promising potential for tumor treatment. The current therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs can be roughly divided into five types (Fig. 3), including depleting TAMs, blocking the recruitment of TAMs, re-educating TAMs, promoting the phagocytosis of TAMs and targeting TAMs-mediated delivery of therapeutics. Therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs in selected clinical trials are listed in Table I.

Figure 3.

Treatment strategies for TAMs-directed antitumor therapy. Strategies that target TAMs for cancer treatment mainly fall into five groups: 1) Blocking the recruitment of TAMs into the TME. 2) Directly depleting TAMs. 3) Re-educating TAMs to the M1-like phenotype with anti-tumor activity. 4) Promoting phagocytosis of TAMs to cancer cells. 5) TAMs-mediated delivery of therapeutics. TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; TME, tumor microenvironment; CSF-1, colony-stimulating factor-1; CCL, C-C motif chemokine ligand; CCR, C-C motif chemokine receptor; CXCL, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand; CXCR, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor; TLR, toll-like receptor; MARCO, macrophage receptor with collagenous structure; MHC, major histocompatibility complex class; SIRP, signal regulatory protein; LILRB, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B; CAR-T, chimeric antigen receptor-T cell; TRAIL, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase.

Table I.

Selected clinical trials targeting TAMs in cancers.

Treatment strategy	Target	Agent	Combination	Tumor type	Phase	Clinical trial number
Blocking TAMs recruitment	CSF-1	MCS110	Carboplatin Gemcitabine	TNBC	II	NCT02435680
	CSF-1	MCS110	Dabrafenib Trametinib	Melanoma	I/II	NCT03455764
	CSF-1R	IMC-CS4	NA	Solid tumors	I	NCT01346358
	CSF-1R	IMC-CS4	Pembrolizumab Cyclophosphamide GVAX	PC	I	NCT03153410
	CSF-1R	PLX3397	Eribulin	MBC	I/II	NCT01596751
	CSF-1R	PLX3397	NA	Melanoma	II	NCT02071940
	CSF-1R	BLZ945	PDR001	Solid tumors	I/II	NCT02829723
	CSF-1R	ARRY382	Pembrolizumab	Solid tumors	I/II	NCT02880371
	CCR2/5	BMS813160	Nivolumab Paclitaxel	CRC/PC	I/II	NCT03184870
	CCR2/5	BMS813160	Nivolumab	NSCLC HCC	II	NCT04123379
	CXCR4	BL8040	G-CSF	Multiple myeloma	III	NCT03246529
	CXCR4	X4P-001	Axitinib	RCC	I/II	NCT02667886
Depleting TAMs	NA	Zoledronate	IL-2	Kidney cancer	II	NCT00582790
	Caspase 8	Trabectedin	Olaparib	Sarcoma	II	NCT04076579
	Caspase 8	Trabectedin	NA	MPM	II	NCT02194231
	Caspase 8	Trabectedin	Durvalumab	Ovarian carcinoma	I	NCT03085225
Re-educating TAMs	TLR7/8	NKTR-262	Nivolumab	TNBC, MCC, Melanoma, HNSCC	I/II	NCT03435640
	TLR7/8	MEDI-9197	Durvalumab	Solid tumors	I	NCT02556463
	TLR4	GSK1795091	Pembrolizumab	Neoplasm	I	NCT03447314
	TLR9	CMP-001	Nivolumab	Melanoma	II	NCT03618641
	CD40	APX005M	Pembrolizumab	Melanoma	I/II	NCT02706353
	CD40	SEA-CD40	Pembrolizumab Pemetrexed Carboplatin	NSCLC	II	NCT04993677
	CD40	RO7009789	Paclitaxel Gemcitabine	PC	I	NCT02588443
	PI3Kγ	IPI-549	Nivolumab	Solid tumors	I	NCT02637531
	PI3Kγ/δ	Duvelisib	Pembrolizumab	HNSCC	I/II	NCT04193293
Promoting	CD47	Hu5F9-G4	NA	Solid tumors	I	NCT02216409
phagocytosis	CD47	Hu5F9-G4	Avelumab	Ovarian cancer	I	NCT03558139
	SIRPα	ALX148	Pembrolizumab Trastuzumab	Solid tumors Lymphoma	I	NCT03013218
	SIRPα	TTI-621	Nivolumab Rituximab	Hematologic and solid tumors	I	NCT02663518
	CD47/SIRPα	RRx-001	Platinum chemotherapy	SCLC	III	NCT05566041
	LILRB2	MK-4830	Pembrolizumab	Solid tumors	I	NCT03564691

TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; NA, not available; TNBC, triple-negative breast cancer; PC, pancreatic cancer; MBC, metastatic breast cancer; CRC, colorectal cancer; NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer; SCLC, small cell lung cancer; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; RCC, renal cell carcinoma; TRAIL, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand; MPM, malignant pleural mesothelioma; TLR, toll-like receptors; MCC, Merkel cell carcinoma; HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; LILRB2, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2; SIRPα, signal regulatory protein α; PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase; CCR, C-C motif chemokine receptor; CXCR, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor; CSF-1, colony-stimulating factor-1.

Blocking the recruitment of TAMs

TAM replenishment in the TME is primarily mediated by macrophage recruitment and differentiation, a process in which many cytokines and chemokines have critical roles. Blocking the recruitment of TAMs into the TME to alleviate their pro-tumor effects holds promise as a strategy for anti-tumor targeting. CSF1R, a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family, undergoes homodimerization and activated receptor signaling by binding to its ligands CSF1 and IL-34 (127). This CSF1/CSF1R axis facilitates the recruitment of TAMs to the TME and promotes the acquisition of a protumor phenotype. Targeting CSF1/CSF1R signaling has been extensively investigated to prevent TAM accumulation in tumors (128). As reviewed elsewhere, preclinical research studies indicated that blocking the CSF1/CSF1R axis reduces macrophage recruitment (95,128,129). Furthermore, with the development of antibody antagonists and small molecules that restrain receptor dimerization, current clinical studies focus on abrogating ligand binding and signaling activation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor PLX3397 (pexidartinib), a small molecular CSF1R inhibitor, can significantly reduce TAM infiltration and shows potent anti-tumor effects in multiple models, including breast cancers, lung cancers and gliomas (130-132). In particular, a clinical phase III trial demonstrated the good tolerance and meaningful clinical activity of PLX3379 in patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TSGCT), leading to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for TSGCT treatment (133). Several other small molecules, such as PLX7486, BLZ945 and ARRY-382, and monoclonal antibodies such as MCS110 and LY3022855, have been designed to block the CSF1/CSF1R axis, albeit with mixed results (134-138). Furthermore, apart from preventing TAM recruitment, blocking the CSF1/CSF1R axis may also increase the ratio of CD8⁺/CD4⁺ T cells within the TME (139).

Research studies also indicate that CCL2 has a potent chemotactic effect on immune cells, including monocytes, NK cells and T cells, and the interaction between CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 has a crucial role in the replenishment and accumulation of TAMs, as well as the recruitment of other immune cells (140,141). Targeting CCL2/CCR2 signaling blocks the recruitment of monocytes into the TME, ultimately reducing the infiltration of TAMs and consequently exerting anti-tumor effects (142). CNTO888, also known as carlumab, is a monoclonal antibody that binds with CCL2, thereby competing for the CCR2 binding site. A phase I clinical trial demonstrated that carlumab was well tolerated by patients with advanced solid tumors, showing preliminary anti-tumor activity with evidence of a transient decrease in CCL2 levels and maintenance of stable disease in several patients (143). However, in a phase II study of carlumab in patients with drug-resistant metastatic prostate cancer previously treated with docetaxel, single carlumab treatment did not result in complete or partial remission, and only 34% of patients maintained a stable disease status for >3 months (144). By contrast, CCX872, a CCR2 antagonist, has shown the ability to enhance the median survival when administered as a monotherapy in glioma-bearing animals and further increase the median survival and overall survival when administered in combination with immunotherapy. Of note, examination of tumor-infiltrating immune cells indicated a decrease in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which have the potential to convert into TAMs within the TME (145).

The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis has also been demonstrated to be correlated with macrophage recruitment and blocking CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling can suppress TAM recruitment into the TME (146-148). Mavorixafor (X4P-001) is an oral, allosteric CXCR4 inhibitor that restricts the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. A phase Ib clinical trial showed the potential anti-tumor activity and well-tolerated profile of mavorixafor in combination with nivolumab treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (149). In addition, the results of a phase II, open-label, two-cohort study indicated that the combination of the CXCR4 antagonist BL-8040 and pembrolizumab enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy for patients with PDAC (150). Furthermore, inhibiting protein neddylation decreases the recruitment of macrophages, and targeting neddylation modification serves as a promising therapeutic anti-TAM strategy in lung cancer (151,152).

Depleting TAMs

In addition to blocking the recruitment of macrophages, the direct depletion of TAMs within the TME by inducing apoptosis has also been explored as a strategy for tumor treatment. Bisphosphonates are a family of antiresorptive regents that have traditionally been applied in the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastasis. Of note, bisphosphonates can also evoke apoptosis of TAMs. Clodronate, the first generation of bisphosphonates, has been demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on the development of tumors in animal models by depleting macrophages and reducing TAM infiltration (153-155). Zoledronate or zoledronic acid, the latest generation of bisphosphonates, participates in immune regulation by attacking TAMs. Furthermore, in efforts to enhance the efficacy of zoledronic acid in targeting TAMs, Zang et al (156) developed lipid-coated calcium zoledronate nanoparticles that could effectively induce the apoptosis of TAMs, and consequently decrease TAM-related angiogenesis and immunosuppression in tumor-bearing mouse models. In addition, a recent study highlighted the use of a nanoliposome encapsulating zoledronic acid, which effectively remodeled the TME by targeting the depletion of TAMs. Consequently, this approach led to the effective inhibition of tumor progression (157). In terms of function, zoledronic acid not only directly eliminates TAMs but also increases the infiltration of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells and promotes tumor inflammation when administered in combination with thymosin α1 (158).

Trabectedin, a tetrahydroisoquinoline alkylating agent, is recognized as an anti-neoplastic drug used in clinical settings for the second-line treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma and relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancers (159,160). Of note, besides its direct elimination of cancer cells by inducing DNA double-strand breaks, another remarkable characteristic of trabectedin is its ability to induce monocyte/macrophage apoptosis through the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-dependent pathway, thereby blocking the release of certain pro-metastatic cytokines, including VEGF, IL-6 and CCL2 (161,162). A prospective study evaluated the pro-apoptotic effect of trabectedin, revealing that 19 out of 34 patients suffering from soft tissue sarcoma experienced a reduction in monocytes, ranging from 30-77% (161). Furthermore, a study demonstrated that trabectedin reduced TAM infiltration and tumor blood vessel density to restrict melanoma growth and metastasis (163). However, despite the potential of these agents to deplete TAMs, they may also deplete anti-tumor immune cells, leading to adverse effects. Hence, it needs to be further verified whether the complete deletion strategy is feasible or not.

A hybrid peptide comprised of melittin (MEL) and the pro-apoptotic peptide d (dKLA) (MEL-dKLA) binds to TAMs and induces mitochondrial death after cell membrane penetration, contributing to the apoptosis of TAMs. Research studies have also shown that MEL-dKLA is capable of selectively binding to CD206⁺ M2-type TAMs while protecting the function of anti-tumor immune cells (164). Furthermore, Sánchez-Paulete et al (165) used chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells targeting F4/80 to effectively eliminate TAMs, leading to the expansion of tumor antigen-related endogenous CD8⁺ T cells and facilitating the anti-tumor immune response (165). They also found that the anti-tumor effect of CAR-T was present in TAM-rich PDAC and ovarian cancer models, resulting in significant tumor growth inhibition.

Re-educating TAMs

The phenotypes and function of TAMs are determined by macrophages' response to various extracellular factors within the TME (24). Despite shifting from M1 to M2 macrophages at various stages of tumor progression and being generally tumor-promoting, TAMs have the potential to play tumoricidal roles and inhibit tumor growth by manipulating environmental stimuli and re-educating macrophages from the M2 to M1 phenotype, a process known as TAM reprogramming.

Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from dying tumor cells can activate the immune system by interacting with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (166). TLRs, a family of proteins and essential PRRs expressed by immune cells, have critical roles in innate immunity by recognizing DAMPs (167). Activation of TLRs can induce macrophage polarization into the pro-inflammatory phenotype and promote an inflammatory response within the TME. Consequently, TLR agonists have been investigated in cancer research to evaluate their potential in modulating TAM polarization towards a tumoricidal phenotype (168,169). TLR7 and TLR8 have a high degree of sequence homology and display similarity in structure; agonists of TLR7 and TLR8 have demonstrated the most promising anti-tumor effect among all the TLR agonists (170,171). Of note, TLR7/8 agonists have shown significant potential in reversing oxaliplatin resistance in CRC by inducing MDSCs to differentiate into tumoricidal phenotypes (172). Figueiredo et al (173) developed lignin-based nanoparticles that carried TLR7/8 agonist (resiquimod, R848) to convert TAMs from M2 to M1 phenotype, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor effect of vinblastine in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In addition, the TLR7/8 agonist MEDI9197 has been demonstrated to induce both innate and adaptive immune response, as evidenced by the release of IL-12, IFN-γ and IFN-α. These cytokines can polarize TAMs towards a tumoricidal phenotype and activate NK and CD8⁺ cells (174). These results suggest the potential of utilizing TLR7/8 agonists in combination with other therapies. In particular, IMO-2055, a TLR9 agonist, showed good tolerability and possible anti-tumor effects when administered in combination with bevacizumab and erlotinib for the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC (175). Furthermore, BCG, one of the FDA-approved TLR agonists used for bladder cancer, activates the TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways, leading to the conversion of TAMs towards anti-tumor phenotypes. This process enhances the cytotoxicity of macrophages against cancer cells (176,177).

CD40, a receptor that belongs to the TNF receptor superfamily, is broadly expressed on macrophages and other antigen-presenting cells. The interaction between CD40 and its natural ligand CD40L helps support the anti-tumor activity of T cells and facilitates the polarization of macrophages into the M1 phenotype (178,179). Studies have shown that CD40 agonists can promote the infiltration of macrophages and induce their polarization into a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Furthermore, CD40 agonists have demonstrated a combinational effect in pancreatic carcinoma when used alongside the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine, resulting in tumor regression and prolonged patient survival (180,181). The combination of CD40 agonists and anti-CSF1R antibodies has also been demonstrated to reprogram TAMs before their depletion, creating a pro-inflammatory TME to enhance the anti-tumor response (182,183). In addition, it has been shown that MEK inhibitors improve the anti-tumor efficacy of CD40 agonists by inhibiting the immunosuppressive activity of M2 TAMs, Tregs and MDSCs, and increasing the tumoricidal immune response (184). Furthermore, according to the study by Leblond et al (185), resistance to anti-PD1 therapy was attenuated by the combination of CD40 agonists, resulting in a solid anti-tumor immune response. In terms of the mechanism, the combination contributed to the recruitment of CD8⁺ cells and induced IFNγ-independent repolarization into M1 TAMs (185). Agonistic CD40 antibodies and recombinant CD40 ligands such as CD-870, 893, APX005M, ADC-1013, dacetuzumab and SEA-CD40, are currently being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and tumor vaccines (129,186).

Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) is a pattern recognition receptor belonging to the class A scavenger receptor family. Research has recently indicated that MARCO plays a critical role in regulating macrophage polarization and that MARCO⁺ TAMs are a subgroup of macrophages with strong immunosuppressive capabilities that are negatively associated with patient prognosis (187-189). Therefore, inhibiting MARCO is expected to reprogram the phenotype of TAMs. In an animal model of melanoma, inhibiting MARCO alleviated the inhibitory action of TAMs on NK cells, and the anti-MARCO antibody synergized with T cell-directed immunotherapy, such as PD-1/PD-L1, to increase the efficacy of tumor eradication (190). Furthermore, several preclinical models have demonstrated that anti-MARCO antibodies restrict the progression of tumors by remodeling MARCO⁺ TAMs from the M2 to M1 phenotype and reducing the levels of Tregs (187). In prostate cancer, MARCO-neutralizing antibody hindered lipid accumulation in TAMs and reprogrammed macrophages, restricting cancer growth and invasiveness. Of note, anti-MARCO treatment also improved the response to docetaxel in prostate cancer models (191). In a different study, Georgoudaki et al (187) developed an anti-MARCO monoclonal antibody that exerted anti-tumor effects in breast and colon cancer models. This antibody effectively reprogrammed TAMs into a pro-inflammatory phenotype while also enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy (187). While research on inhibitors against MARCO remains in its early stages, inhibitors against other class A scavenger receptors, such as the scavenger receptor B class type 1 and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, are also available for investigation (192,193).

Other strategies to reprogram TAMs for anti-tumor therapy include the targeting of PI3Kγ, which is a critical regulator of tumor immune suppression induced by TAMs. Activation of PI3Kγ signaling facilitates immunosuppressive transcriptional programming in TAMs and then inhibits the adaptive immune response. By contrast, suppression of PI3Kγ using genetic and pharmacological inhibitors results in macrophage reprogramming, resulting in increased anti-tumor TAM infiltration and T-cell response, while reducing pro-tumor TAMs (194,195). In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, inhibiting PI3Kγ in macrophages indirectly facilitated both the cytotoxic and Th1 adaptive immune response, synergizing with T cell-targeted therapy to enhance the anti-tumor immune response and restrain tumor progression, suggesting the potential therapeutic target of PI3Kγ (195). In particular, IPI-549 (eganelisib), a PI3Kγ inhibitor, was evaluated for its anti-tumor efficacy alone or in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in a clinical trial (NCT02637531). In a phase 1/1b trial, the safety and tolerability of IPI-549 were investigated, with doses of 30 and 40 mg administered once daily as part of a phase 2 study (196). In addition, Giurisato et al (197) found that ERK5 was a determinant of macrophage polarization, and the inactivation of ERK5 specifically decreased the relative percentage of M2 tumor-supportive macrophages. Furthermore, increasing evidence indicates that miRNA serves as a key modulator in macrophage polarization. The inhibition of DICER, an RNase-III enzyme that regulates the maturation of miRNA, reprograms TAMs into an anti-tumor phenotype and promotes tumor regression (7,198). Overall, these findings have prompted investigation into targeting miRNAs to reprogram macrophages.

Promoting the phagocytosis of TAMs

Phagocytic activity is a key characteristic of macrophages to exert anti-tumor effects. However, macrophage phagocytosis is largely inhibited by 'don't eat me' signals. Limiting 'don't eat me' signals and improving the phagocytic activity of TAMs represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment.

Signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on myeloid cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. SIRPα recognizes the ligand CD47, which is widely overexpressed on various cancer cells and acts as a 'don't eat me' signal to restrict innate immunity (199-201). The CD47-SIRPα axis enables cancer cells to evade phagocytosis and escape from immune surveillance, blocking either CD47 or SIRPα using monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins or bispecific antibodies can trigger cellular cytotoxicity/phagocytosis of cancer cells by TAMs (202,203). Therapeutic agents targeting the CD47-SIRPα axis have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. CD47-SIRPα axis blockade using SIRPα-Fc increases TAM-triggered phagocytosis of glioblastoma cells and enhances the response of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells to tumor cells (204). Research based on CD47 antibodies found that treatment with CD47 monoclonal antibodies enhances macrophages phagocytosis of HCC cells and increases infiltration of proinflammatory macrophages in tumor tissue to inhibit tumor progression in xenograft models (205). A phase I clinical study (NCT02216409) evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Hu5F9-G4, a humanized IgG4 antibody targeting CD47, and the results indicated that blocking CD47 is a promising strategy for cancer treatment (206). Enhancing the capability of macrophage's phagocytosis has also been found to contribute to the induction of an effective immune response against cancer cells, and blockade of the CD47-SIRPα axis in combination with ICIs increases the efficiency of anti-tumor immunotherapy (207,208). An ongoing phase 1b trial (NCT03558139) of Hu5F9-G4 in combination with Avelumab in participants with advanced solid tumors that have progressed within 6 months after receiving platinum-based chemotherapy is aiming to investigate the safety and tolerability of this combination and evaluate the anti-tumor effects. ALX148, a novel CD47-SIRPα axis-blocking protein generated by fusing a modified SIRPα N-terminal D1 domain to an inactive IgG Fc region, is currently in a phase I clinical trial (NCT03013218), being used as a single-agent therapy or in combination with Pembrolizumab or Trastuzumab for solid tumors (209). The SIRPα-Fc fusion protein TTI-621, another therapeutic agent that targets the CD47-SIRPα axis, has been found to facilitate macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of cancer cells (210). TTI-621 in combination with Nivolumab is being evaluated in subjects with relapsed hematologic malignancies and selected solid tumors in an ongoing phase I clinical study (NCT02663518).

LILRB is a family of transmembrane glycoproteins, including LILRB1 and LILRB2, which have been known to inhibit immune activation. Like the CD47-SIRPα axis, the interaction between MHC-I and LILRB1 also serves as a 'don't eat me' signal and blocking this interaction has shown efficacy in numerous cancer models (211). Furthermore, simultaneous blockade of CD47 and MHC-I produces a synergistic effect on tumor suppression (212). However, the anti-tumor effect of cytotoxic T cells is dependent on the antigen presentation of MHC-I. Thus, specifically blocking the β2-microglobulin subunit of MHC-I or LILRB1 seems to be a promising innate immune targeting strategy. Preclinical data have indicated that LILRB2 antagonism effectively polarized TAMs to the proinflammatory phenotype and enhanced phagocytosis, resulting in an increased anti-tumor immunity response (213). MK-4830, a novel human IgG4 monoclonal antibody targeting LILRB2, is under investigation for safety and tolerability alone or in combination with pembrolizumab in a phase I clinical trial (NCT03564691) (214). Their value and the mechanisms need to be further verified in more clinical trials.

Targeting TAM-mediated delivery of therapeutics

Although monoclonal antibodies, agonists and pharmacological inhibitors have been developed and evaluated for TAM-targeting therapy, the difficulty of penetrating biological barriers and the lack of specific targeting properties, as well as the side effects, largely limit the therapeutic effect. Therefore, a novel strategy of drug delivery mediated by live cell is on the rise as the conditions require. As one of the most abundant types of circulating cells, macrophages have received much interest as a drug-loading/drug-releasing carrier, for their high phagocytic capability, non-immunogenicity, long blood-circulation time and ability to infiltrate tumors (215,216). Macrophages cannot directly load most anti-tumor agents due to their cytotoxicity, whereas the progress in the engineering of nanoparticles has made it feasible to load nanomedicines into macrophages and release drugs in the bulk of the tumor. For instance, it has been reported that one sort of genetically engineered cell membrane-coated magnetic nanoparticle may be used to promote the repolarization of M2 TAMs, as well as the systemic circulation and accumulation of the loaded drugs in the tumor. In addition, the magnetic nanoparticles significantly prolonged overall survival by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in animal models (217). Zhang et al (218) developed a biomimetic macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticle with loaded paclitaxel (cskc-PPiP/PTX@Ma) for the treatment of breast cancer, and cskc-PPiP/PTX@ Ma was highly accumulated in the tumor site and represented an effective drug delivery system tailored to the TME. Although macrophages are capable of delivering the active nanomedicine into tumor sites, this field remains in its infancy and there are still numerous challenges for their application in the clinic. Among the major reasons are the pro-tumor and anti-tumor activities of macrophages within the TME, and inducing and maintaining the anti-tumor phenotype of macrophages to further maximize the effect of macrophage-delivered nanomedicines is important.

In addition, the use of exosomes for cancer treatment has drawn the attention of investigators for their good biocompatibility, natural capacity to deliver molecules and nanoscale size (215,219). Given these properties, exosomes have shown great potential to be an excellent tool for the delivery of anti-tumor drugs. Furthermore, exosomes can be preferentially sequestered by macrophages and may represent an attractive carrier for transporting cytotoxic agents into the TME (216). For example, a study has indicated that exosomes isolated from breast cancer cells were capable of delivering miR-33 to M2 TAMs and covert M2 into M1 phenotypes, which was crucial for inhibiting tumor progression (220). Of note, the major challenge for the application of an exosomal delivery system may be the isolation of exosomes (221).

5. Combinations of TAM-targeted and conventional therapies

The essential conventional non-operative strategies for cancer treatment include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. The chapters above elaborated on the crucial role of TAMs in promoting tumor progression and summarized recent advances in TAM-targeting therapeutic strategies. Combined therapies are likely to improve the clinical outcome for cancer patients and be one of the megatrends of cancer treatment (Fig. 4).

Figure 4.

Combination of TAMs-targeted therapy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy induce cancer cell death and the release of tumor-associated antigens. Tumor-associated antigens are administered to T cells and activate immune response through antigen-presenting cells. TAMs-targeted therapy improves the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, activates anti-tumor T cells and enhances the sensitivity to immunotherapy. TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; CSF-1, colony-stimulating factor-1; CCL, C-C motif chemokine ligand; CCR, C-C motif chemokine receptor; CXCR, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor; PD-1, programmed cell death protein-1; CTLA, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen; VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor; CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocyte; Th, helper T cell; Treg, regulatory T cell.

Targeting TA Ms combined with chemotherapy

Chemotherapeutic drugs are mainly applied to selectively eradicate tumor cells or suppress tumor growth. However, TAMs have been verified to reduce the chemotherapeutic efficacy and indue tumor recurrence, which is closely associated with chemotherapy resistance (27). Combining TAM-targeted therapy with chemotherapy has been indicated to achieve excellent antitumor effects. The blockade of macrophage recruitment with CSF1R-signaling antagonists was found to improve chemosensitivity to paclitaxel, suppress primary tumor progression and reduce pulmonary metastasis in mammary tumor-bearing mice (65). Besides, targeting TAMs by CSF1R blockade activated intratumoral type I interferon signaling in breast cancer and consequently increased the antitumor efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapeutics (222). The infiltration of TAMs is frequently associated with the density of tumor vessels due to their secretion and response to angiogenic growth factors, particularly VEGF (6,95,223). Combination of chemotherapy and TAM elimination was found to decrease the density of tumor vessels by 50%. Depleting TAMs in a tumor mass skews perivascular TAMs from their pro-angiogenic to their angiostatic properties, which contributes to the increase of blood flow and the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to malignant lesions, contributing to enhanced efficacy of chemotherapy (224). Furthermore, Alishekevitz et al (114) provided evidence that TAMs could contribute to lymphangiogenesis and subsequent metastasis in a VEGFR3-dependent manner. Blockade of the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 axis inhibited lymphangiogenesis and blocked the pro-metastatic activity of TAMs in PTX-treated mice (114). Furthermore, Duhamel et al (225) demonstrated a therapeutic strategy of combining PTX and proprotein convertase 1/3 inhibitor to induce TAM polarization towards the antitumor phenotype in glioma. The anti-inflammatory pathway STAT3 was inhibited in proprotein convertase 1/3 knockdown TAMs, and more proinflammatory cytokines were secreted to inhibit tumor growth (225).

Targeting TAMs combined with radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is widely used in controlling local tumors, and ionizing radiation exerts major effects on tumor cells by inducing DNA damage, cell apoptosis, autophagy, mitotic catastrophe and necrosis to facilitate tumor regression (226). Previous studies indicated that ionizing radiation could affect antitumor immune response, including the recruitment of TAMs (227,228). TAMs accumulate in the irradiated tumor lesions and stimulate the resumption of blood flow, thereby facilitating the recurrence of tumors. Blocking the key chemokine pathway, the stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 axis that leads to the accumulation of TAMs enhances tumor response to radiotherapy and protects the irradiated normal tissues (229). Akkari et al (71) found that targeting TAMs using CSF1R inhibitor combined with ionizing radiation enhanced the efficacy of radiotherapy in gliomas and prolonged the survival of preclinical models.

In addition, radiotherapy has controversial effects on the polarization of macrophages. Certain studies indicated that low-dose irradiation (2 Gy) or short-course radiotherapy induced the repolarization of M2 phenotype macrophages into the M1 phenotype and subsequently enhanced the antitumor effect (230,231). On the contrary, other studies reported that irradiation contributed to the increased infiltration of CD68⁺CD163⁺ M2 phenotype macrophages (228). The release of ATP caused by irradiation-induced cancer cell death, which could be decomposed into adenosine, results in the accumulation of extracellular adenosine and thereby induces the polarization of TAMs to M2 phenotype (232,233). It is hypothesized that the effect of radiotherapy on TAMs depends on irradiation dose and tumor histotype. The combination of targeting TAMs and radiotherapy needs to be further explored to achieve more individualized applications and better antitumor effects.

Targeting TAMs combined with immunotherapy

Immune escape has been indicated to be one of the main hallmarks of malignancies, and immunotherapy is intended to reverse the immunosuppressive state of the TME by activating the immune system against cancer cells. ICIs binding to CTLA-4, PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, the key inhibitory signals of T-cell activation, is the representative strategy for consolidating immune surveillance that yields survival benefits for patients with malignancies (78,234). However, certain studies have indicated that only a subset of patients could achieve complete response and in numerous patients, the benefit was limited and they even experienced recurrence after a period of remission (235,236). As mentioned earlier, TAMs can decrease immunotherapy efficacy by suppressing the activation of T cells or secreting anti-inflammatory cytokines (83-86). Therefore, targeting TAMs is of great significance to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, and the combination of targeting TAMs and immunotherapy should be carefully considered.

The CCL2/CCR2 axis plays a crucial role in the replenishment and recruitment of M2-like TAMs to induce immune suppression, making it a promising TAM-targeted therapy (140,141). The combination of anti-PD-L1 and CCR2 antagonists that deplete TAMs shows a synergetic effect on tumor eradication associated with the activation of CD8⁺ T cells (237). Certain preclinical studies on different types of malignancies have also indicated that either depleting CCL2 or disrupting the CCL2/CCR2 axis could enhance the antitumor effect of immune agents (238,239). Similarly, the CSF1/CSF1R axis facilitates the recruitment of TAMs to the TME and promotes the acquisition of a protumor phenotype, suggesting that CSF1R antagonists can be an alternative target. Combining CSF1R antagonist and anti-PD-L1 shows potent antitumor effects through inhibiting TAM recruitment, increasing CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration and maintaining the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in mouse models of HCC (240). In addition, depleting TAMs enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy. Li et al (241) constructed a biocompatible alginate-based hydrogel loaded with PLX, which was gradually released at the tumor site to deplete TAMs, and consequently established a favorable milieu for the delivery of anti-PD-1 antibody-conjugated platelets and the infiltration of T cells into tumor lesions. CTLA-4 has an inhibitory effect on the activation of T cells and humanized anti-CTLA-4 antibody has doubled the 10-year survival rates of patients with metastatic melanoma. Of note, TAMs express the ligands of CTLA-4 and play an important role in T cell-mediated immune response (242).

As described above, TAMs demonstrated an important role in regulating immunotherapy. Targeting TAMs in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition significantly improves the therapeutic effect, offering a promising strategy for tumor treatment.

6. Conclusion and perspective

In light of the growing understanding of the critical role of TAMs in tumor progression, targeting TAMs has emerged as a novel approach to cancer therapy. As described above, the present review focuses on the latest advances in exploiting TAMs as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and provides a comprehensive and updated overview of the function of TAMs in tumor progression, including facilitating cancer cell proliferation and survival, contributing to angiogenesis, triggering treatment resistance and immunosuppression, promoting tumor metastasis and reprogramming tumor metabolism. Recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs were also summarized, including the blockade of TAM recruitment, TAM depletion and modulation of anti-tumor polarization of TAMs, particularly the augmentation of the phagocytic activity of TAMs and enhancement of TAM-mediated delivery of therapeutics, which have hardly ever been summarized by previous reports. In addition, combinations of TAM-targeted and conventional therapies were summarized and described, which may be a novel strategy for comprehensive treatments targeting TAMs.

Despite the strengths of the findings above, there are certain limitations that remain to be addressed. The present review put forward the challenges and perspectives for TAM-targeted therapeutics for various cancers based on the understanding of the whole subject. First, the specific characteristics of TAMs have a significant role in the development of personalized TAM-targeting strategies. Although TAMs are conventionally categorized as the M2 phenotype, they constitute a complex heterogeneous cell group, exhibiting both tumoricidal M1 and pro-tumoral M2 attributes (13,22,37). In addition, how TAMs transform from an anti-tumor phenotype into a tumor-supporting phenotype throughout tumor progression remains incompletely understood. However, the extensive use of sequencing technologies, mass cytometry techniques and metabolomics will contribute to a comprehensive interpretation of the mechanisms underlying the polarization of tumoricidal and pro-tumoral macrophages, localization of macrophage subtypes, phenotype switching of TAMs during tumor progression and the genetic constitution involved in the secretory factors within the TME. Furthermore, a more detailed classification of macrophages and an in-depth illustration of the characteristics of various macrophage subtypes may lead to the development of more appropriate and effective strategies for targeting TAMs. Secondly, given the rapid development of TAM-targeting therapeutics and the extensive evaluation of various antibodies, antagonists or agonists in preclinical and clinical studies, delivering these small molecules into TAMs effectively and selectively while minimizing the off-target effects may be the problem-resolving key. In this context, nanoparticle development offers a promising strategy for drug loading and delivery; however, more research is needed to optimize TAM-targeted cancer treatment, mainly focusing on improving the efficiency and accuracy of nanoparticles and drug delivery. In addition, it is important to address the intricacies of the TME. The TME is a complex and dynamic milieu consisting of multiple stromal cells, ECMs, tumor vasculature and signaling molecules (3). Numerous preclinical studies targeting TAMs overlook the versatility and intricacy of the TME, leading to ineffective therapeutic outcomes in clinical studies. Therefore, digging deep into the roles of various components of the TME and modeling the intricate interactions involved in tumor progression may be the focus of future research. As such, TAM-targeting therapies affect TAMs and renovate and reconstruct the TME, which is expected to improve conventional cancer treatment and lead to favorable clinical results. Ultimately, combining TAM-targeted therapies with immunotherapy, chemotherapy and nanotechnology-based treatments may become a promising trend in the future.

Certain limitations of the present review article should also be mentioned. As tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells affecting tumor progression, the activities of TAMs can be influenced by microenvironmental characteristics such as nutrition availability, hypoxia and fibrosis. In addition, given the complexity of the TME, there is growing awareness that the crosstalk between TAMs and T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells may affect the function of TAMs. Furthermore, increasing evidence has shown that the interaction between microbiota and TAMs can affect immunomodulatory activities. These topics were not described in the present review article and these contents will be discussed in a subsequent article by our group.

In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive and updated overview of the function of TAMs in tumor progression and summarizes the recent advances in TAM-targeting therapeutic strategies. TAMs represent an attractive and promising target that may innovate the landscape of future cancer treatments; however, numerous obstacles remain to be addressed.

Abbreviations

TAMs

tumor-associated macrophages

TME

tumor microenvironment

TRMs

tissue resident macrophages

CSF1

colony-stimulating factor 1

TGF-β

transforming growth factor-β

IL

interleukin

CCL

C-C motif chemokine ligand

CXCL

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand

LPS

lipopolysaccharide

IFN-γ

interferon-γ

GM-CSF

granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

TLRs

Toll-like receptors

MHC

major histocompatibility complex class

iNOS

inducible nitric oxide synthase

TNF-α

tumor necrosis factor-α

ROS

reactive oxygen species

RNS

reactive nitrogen species

Th

helper T cells

Treg

regulatory T cells

Arg

arginase

CD163

scavenger receptor

CD206

mannose receptor

VEGF

vascular endothelial growth factor

EMP

erythro-myeloid progenitors

HSC

hematopoietic stem cell

EGF

epidermal growth factor

HIF-1α

hypoxia-inducible factor 1α

PDGF

platelet-derived growth factor

MMP

matrix metalloproteinase

ECM

extracellular matrix

PDAC

pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

CRC

colorectal cancer

GC

gastric cancer

ICIs

immune checkpoint inhibitors

CTLA-4

cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4

PD-1

programmed cell death protein 1

LILRB

leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B

EMT

epithelial-mesenchymal transition

HCC

hepatocellular carcinoma

NK cells

natural killer cells

TSGCT

tenosynovial giant cell tumor

MDSCs

myeloid-derived suppressor cells

CAR-T

chimeric antigen receptor T cell

PTX

paclitaxel

DAMPs

damage-associated molecular patterns

MARCO

macrophage receptor with collagenous structure

SIRPα

signal regulatory protein α

NA

not available

NSCLC

non-small cell lung cancer

Funding Statement

The present study was supported by grants from the Key Medical Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province (grant no. WKJ-ZJ-2201), the Key Projects of Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology (grant no. 2022C03099), Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Program of Traditional Chinese Medicine (grant nos. GZY-ZJ-KJ-24056 and 2023ZL252), the Zhejiang Provincial Medical and Health Technology Program (grant no. 2023KY517) and the Key Project of Laboratory Research in Hangzhou Medical College (grant no. KYZD2023010).

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Authors' contributions

PS and WJ conceived and designed the study; PS drafted the manuscript; OL, KK, ZJ and JW prepared the figures and contributed to the literature collection and analysis, and to the editing of the manuscript; YW, YM and WJ revised the manuscript and provided critical comments. All authors have read and agreed to the final version of the manuscript. Data authentication is not applicable.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Patient consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.