Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEMs): novel targets and vehicles of anticancer therapy?
There is a growing interest in understanding the complex interactions between bone marrow-derived myeloid-lineage cells and angiogenesis in tumors. Such interest has been revived recently by the observation that tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells convey proangiogenic programs that can counteract the activity of antiangiogenic drugs in mouse tumor models. Among myeloid cells, Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEMs) appear to have nonredundant function in promoting tumor angiogenesis and growth in mouse models. The identification and functional characterization of TEMs in mice and humans may provide novel molecular targets for anticancer therapy. Moreover, TEMs may be exploited to deliver antitumor drugs specifically to the tumor microenvironment.
Angiogenesis and Tumor Targeting Research Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina, 58, 20132 Milan, Italy. depalma.michele@hsr.it
Michele
M
De Palma
Luigi
L
Naldini
D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D022423:Myeloid Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D042787:Receptor, TIE-2 / Q000378:metabolism*
D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D042787:Receptor, TIE-2; C079086:Tek protein, mouse