» Articles » PMID: 29973487

Targeting Macrophages As a Potential Therapeutic Intervention: Impact on Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer

Overview
Journal Int J Mol Sci
Publisher MDPI
Date 2018 Jul 6
PMID 29973487
Citations 67
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Macrophages, cells belonging to the innate immune system, present a high plasticity grade, being able to change their phenotype in response to environmental stimuli. They play central roles during development, homeostatic tissue processes, tissue repair, and immunity. Furthermore, it is recognized that macrophages are involved in chronic inflammation and that they play central roles in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Due to their large involvement in the pathogenesis of several types of human diseases, macrophages are considered to be relevant therapeutic targets. Nanotechnology-based systems have attracted a lot of attention in this field, gaining a pivotal role as useful moieties to target macrophages in diseased tissues. Among the different approaches that can target macrophages, the most radical is represented by their depletion, commonly obtained by means of clodronate-containing liposomal formulations and/or depleting antibodies. These strategies have produced encouraging results in experimental mouse models. In this review, we focus on macrophage targeting, based on the results so far obtained in preclinical models of inflammatory diseases and cancer. Pros and cons of these therapeutic interventions will be highlighted.

Citing Articles

The Multifaceted Role of Macrophages in Biology and Diseases.

Brancewicz J, Wojcik N, Sarnowska Z, Robak J, Krol M Int J Mol Sci. 2025; 26(5).

PMID: 40076729 PMC: 11900619. DOI: 10.3390/ijms26052107.


Nanosystems for modulation of immune responses in periodontal therapy: a mini-review.

Acharya A, Hegde U, Acharya S Front Dent Med. 2025; 5:1509775.

PMID: 39917718 PMC: 11797770. DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2024.1509775.


Pathophysiology of Angiotensin II-Mediated Hypertension, Cardiac Hypertrophy, and Failure: A Perspective from Macrophages.

Carter K, Shah E, Waite J, Rana D, Zhao Z Cells. 2024; 13(23).

PMID: 39682749 PMC: 11640308. DOI: 10.3390/cells13232001.


Magnetic Hyperthermia in Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment.

Manescu Paltanea V, Antoniac I, Paltanea G, Nemoianu I, Mohan A, Antoniac A Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25(18).

PMID: 39337552 PMC: 11432100. DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810065.


Targeting the Cascade Amplification of Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor to Alleviate the Immunosuppressive Effects Following Radiotherapy.

Liao Z, Wang Y, Yang Y, Liu X, Yang X, Tian Y Research (Wash D C). 2024; 7:0450.

PMID: 39165639 PMC: 11334716. DOI: 10.34133/research.0450.


References
1.
Hanada T, Nakagawa M, Emoto A, Nomura T, NASU N, Nomura Y . Prognostic value of tumor-associated macrophage count in human bladder cancer. Int J Urol. 2000; 7(7):263-9. DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-2042.2000.00190.x. View

2.
Barrera P, Blom A, van Lent P, van Bloois L, Beijnen J, van Rooijen N . Synovial macrophage depletion with clodronate-containing liposomes in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2000; 43(9):1951-9. DOI: 10.1002/1529-0131(200009)43:9<1951::AID-ANR5>3.0.CO;2-K. View

3.
Gabizon A . Stealth liposomes and tumor targeting: one step further in the quest for the magic bullet. Clin Cancer Res. 2001; 7(2):223-5. View

4.
Leemans J, Juffermans N, Florquin S, van Rooijen N, Vervoordeldonk M, Verbon A . Depletion of alveolar macrophages exerts protective effects in pulmonary tuberculosis in mice. J Immunol. 2001; 166(7):4604-11. DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.166.7.4604. View

5.
Ishida T, Harashima H, Kiwada H . Interactions of liposomes with cells in vitro and in vivo: opsonins and receptors. Curr Drug Metab. 2002; 2(4):397-409. DOI: 10.2174/1389200013338306. View