Macrophages in Tumor Microenvironment: From Molecular Aspects to Clinical Applications

Abstract

Macrophage cells are a part of the immune system, which are also involved in tumor microenvironment (TME). Specific macrophages are activated by different chemokines like IL-4, IL-13 and IFN-γ and subsequently are able to differentiate into M1 and M2. Moreover, Ms2 are divided into 4 sub-phenotypes: M2a, M2b, M2c and M2d. We have analysed the relationship between macrophages, the role of micro RNAs and their importance in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, we investigated how macrophages interact in the pathogenesis of breast, gastric and colorectal cancer. We reported several studies regarding the involvement of these cells in tumoral angiogenesis and proliferation. This review represents a starting point to better comprehend the molecular and biological steps regarding the involvement of Ms in cancer, focusing the attention on their effects in specific tumors.