Targeting macrophages in cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is regarded as the most promising treatment for cancers. Various cancer immunotherapies, including adoptive cellular immunotherapy, tumor vaccines, antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small-molecule inhibitors, have achieved certain successes. In this review, we summarize the role of macrophages in current immunotherapies and the advantages of targeting macrophages. To better understand and make better use of this type of cell, their development and differentiation characteristics, categories, typical markers, and functions were collated at the beginning of the review. Therapeutic strategies based on or combined with macrophages have the potential to improve the treatment efficacy of cancer therapies.

Automated summary

Immunotherapy is considered the most promising treatment for cancers, with various strategies such as adoptive cellular immunotherapy, tumor vaccines, antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small-molecule inhibitors showing success. The review highlights the role of macrophages in current immunotherapies and the potential benefits of targeting them, suggesting that therapeutic strategies involving macrophages have the potential to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments.