“Metabolism, metabolites, and macrophages in cancer” (2023), by Mengyuan Li et al. Immunology and Microbiology research paper. Original abstract below, unchanged. A free PDF is available.

Metabolism, metabolites, and macrophages in cancer

Mengyuan Li, Yuhan Yang, Liting Xiong et al. · July 25, 2023 · Immunology and Microbiology

Abstract

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial components of the tumour microenvironment and play a significant role in tumour development and drug resistance by creating an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Macrophages are essential components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems and contribute to pathogen resistance and the regulation of organism homeostasis. Macrophage function and polarization are closely linked to altered metabolism. Generally, M1 macrophages rely primarily on aerobic glycolysis, whereas M2 macrophages depend on oxidative metabolism. Metabolic studies have revealed that the metabolic signature of TAMs and metabolites in the tumour microenvironment regulate the function and polarization of TAMs. However, the precise effects of metabolic reprogramming on tumours and TAMs remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the impact of metabolic pathways on macrophage function and polarization as well as potential strategies for reprogramming macrophage metabolism in cancer treatment.

Free PDF DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01478-6