How to reprogram myeloma-associated macrophages: Target IKZF1

Abstract

Cancer cells hijack tumor-associated macrophages to sustain their outgrowth. In this issue, Mougiakakos and colleagues identify the IKZF1–IRF4/IRF5 axis as a key molecular pathway regulating macrophage polarization in multiple myeloma. These results suggest targeting IKZF1 could provide a new strategy to reprogram myeloma-associated macrophages toward a tumoricidal and immune-activating phenotype.