Heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer: Origins, classification, and immunotherapeutic implications

IF 2.9 4区医学 Q2 PATHOLOGY

Pathology, research and practice Pub Date : 2025-06-12 DOI:10.1016/j.prp.2025.156082

Yuna Li , Zhaohui Huang , Yuan Yin

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Abstract

Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the occurrence, progression, and therapeutic response of malignant tumor. As the main immune cells in TME, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are considered to be potential key targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the functional roles and clinical significance of TAMs in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. These controversies may stem from the dynamic changes in TME and the high heterogeneity of TAMs. In this review, we systematically explore the sources, classification, identification methods and clinical significance of TAM heterogeneity in CRC. We also summarize current therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs and their limitations. In addition, differences in the function of TAMs in different stages and subtypes of CRC were analyzed, highlighting their interactions with other immune cells and signaling pathways. It suggests that developing novel therapeutic strategies based on TAM heterogeneity holds promise for advancing precision monitoring and treatment of CRC, and promote the further development of tumor immunotherapy.

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结直肠癌中肿瘤相关巨噬细胞的异质性：起源、分类和免疫治疗意义

肿瘤微环境（Tumor microenvironment， TME）在恶性肿瘤的发生、发展和治疗反应中起着重要作用。肿瘤相关巨噬细胞（tumor-associated macrophages, tam）作为TME的主要免疫细胞，被认为是肿瘤诊断和治疗的潜在关键靶点。然而，tam在结直肠癌（CRC）中的功能作用和临床意义仍然存在争议。这些争议可能源于TME的动态变化和TME的高度异质性。本文系统探讨了CRC中TAM异质性的来源、分类、鉴别方法及临床意义。我们还总结了目前针对tam的治疗方法及其局限性。此外，我们还分析了tam在CRC不同阶段和亚型中的功能差异，强调了它们与其他免疫细胞和信号通路的相互作用。这表明，基于TAM异质性的新型治疗策略有望推进CRC的精确监测和治疗，并促进肿瘤免疫治疗的进一步发展。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Pathology, research and practice 医学-病理学

CiteScore

5.00

自引率

3.60%

发文量

405

审稿时长

24 days

期刊介绍： Pathology, Research and Practice provides accessible coverage of the most recent developments across the entire field of pathology: Reviews focus on recent progress in pathology, while Comments look at interesting current problems and at hypotheses for future developments in pathology. Original Papers present novel findings on all aspects of general, anatomic and molecular pathology. Rapid Communications inform readers on preliminary findings that may be relevant for further studies and need to be communicated quickly. Teaching Cases look at new aspects or special diagnostic problems of diseases and at case reports relevant for the pathologist''s practice.