Microcystin-LR improves anti-tumor efficacy of oxaliplatin through induction of M1 macrophage polarization.

Tumor-associated macrophages within the tumor microenvironment play an immunosuppressive role by promoting tumor growth and immune evasion. Macrophages are highly plastic and can be stimulated to adopt an anti-tumor M1 phenotype. In this study, we used microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a cyclic heptapeptide produced by cyanobacteria, to induce in vitro macrophage innate immunity and transition into the anti-tumor M1 phenotype.