Frontiers in Immunology (Jul 2019)

The Remarkable Plasticity of Macrophages: A Chance to Fight Cancer

  • Nadège Bercovici,
  • Nadège Bercovici,
  • Nadège Bercovici,
  • Marion V. Guérin,
  • Marion V. Guérin,
  • Marion V. Guérin,
  • Alain Trautmann,
  • Alain Trautmann,
  • Alain Trautmann,
  • Emmanuel Donnadieu,
  • Emmanuel Donnadieu,
  • Emmanuel Donnadieu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01563
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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It is well established that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) found in most advanced tumors have a pro-tumoral role. In this context, TAM limit the activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and a number of mechanisms have been described including a trapping in the stroma, impeding TIL to reach malignant cells. Based on these results, a number of therapeutic approaches have been designed to deplete TAM. However, during tumor regression induced by immunotherapeutic treatments, recent studies revealed that TAM can switch from pro-tumoral to anti-tumoral and actively cooperate with TIL. Here, we will review the two faces of TAM in their interaction with TIL. We will summarize how they can inhibit T cell activities in growing tumors, and how they may also, together with T cells, successfully contribute to tumor eradication after an appropriate stimulation. Finally, we will discuss current promising therapies combining TAM reprogramming with T cell-based immunotherapy.

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