Macrophages are phagocytes that serve as a first line of defense against pathogenic insults to tissues. These innate immune cells mount proinflammatory responses to pathogens and repair damaged tissues. However, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) express cytokines and chemokines that can suppress antitumor immunity and promote tumor progression. Preclinical studies have identified crucial pathways regulating the recruitment, polarization, and metabolism of TAMs during tumor progression. Moreover, novel therapeutics targeting these pathways can indirectly stimulate cytotoxic T cell activation and recruitment, and synergize with checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in preclinical studies. Thus, clinical trials with therapeutic agents that promote phagocytosis or suppress survival, proliferation, trafficking, or polarization of TAMs are currently underway. These early results offer the promise of improved cancer outcomes.
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