Lipid-loaded macrophages as new therapeutic target in cancer. Issue 7 (7th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marelli, Giulia; Morina, Nicolò; Portale, Federica; Pandini, Marta; Iovino, Marta; Di Conza, Giusy; Ho, Ping-Chih; Di Mitri, Diletta
• Is Part Of: Journal for immunotherapy of cancer. Volume 10:Issue 7(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07-07
• Subjects: Tumor Microenvironment -- Macrophages -- Metabolic Networks and Pathways -- Immunomodulation; Cancer -- Immunotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Immunotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.99406105
• DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004584
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-1426

Abstract

Abstract: Macrophages are main players of the innate immune system. They show great heterogeneity and play diverse functions that include support to development, sustenance of tissue homeostasis and defense against infections. Dysfunctional macrophages have been described in multiple pathologies including cancer. Indeed tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant in most tumors and sustain cancer growth, promote invasion and mediate immune evasion. Importantly, lipid metabolism influences macrophage activation and lipid accumulation confers pathogenic features on macrophages. Notably, a subset of lipid-loaded macrophages has been recently identified in many tumor types. Lipid-loaded TAMs support tumor growth and progression and exert immune-suppressive activities. In this review, we describe the role of lipid metabolism in macrophage activation in physiology and pathology and we discuss the impact of lipid accumulation in macrophages in the context of cancer.