Macrophage polarization: tumor-associated macrophages as a paradigm for polarized M2 mononuclear phagocytes.
Mononuclear phagocytes are versatile cells that can express different functional programs in response to microenvironmental signals. Fully polarized M1 and M2 (or alternatively activated) macrophages are the extremes of a continuum of functional states. Macrophages that infiltrate tumor tissues are driven by tumor-derived and T cell-derived cytokines to acquire a polarized M2 phenotype. These functionally polarized cells, and similarly oriented or immature dendritic cells present in tumors, have a key role in subversion of adaptive immunity and in inflammatory circuits that promote tumor growth and progression.
Mantovani
Alberto
A
Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Eritrea 62, I-20157 Milan, Italy. mantovani@marionegri.it
Sozzani
Silvano
S
Locati
Massimo
M
Allavena
Paola
P
Sica
Antonio
A
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D018925:Chemokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D018925:Chemokines; D016207:Cytokines