Cancer related inflammation: the macrophage connection.
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are key regulators of the link between inflammation and cancer. In the tumor microenvironment neoplastic cells shape the differentiation and functional orientation of TAM which, in turn, express several protumoral functions, including secretion of growth factors and matrix-proteases, promotion of angiogenesis and suppression of adaptive immunity. This review analyzes our current knowledge of TAM and their involvement in tumor development and progression. The interplay between TAM and neoplastic cells represents a promising target of future therapeutic approaches.
Sica
Antonio
A
Fondazione Humanitas per Ricerca, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
Allavena
Paola
P
Mantovani
Alberto
A
D000818:Animals; D016764:Cell Polarity; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D050796:STAT3 Transcription Factor / Q000378:metabolism
D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; D016328:NF-kappa B; D050796:STAT3 Transcription Factor