Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor and Its Role in the Tumor Microenvironment: Novel Therapeutic Avenues and Mechanistic Insights

Overview

Journal Front Oncol

Specialty Oncology

Date 2024 Apr 22

PMID 38646440

Authors

Li Yi

Yihan Gai

Zhuo Chen

Kecan Tian

Pengfei Liu

Hongrui Liang

Xinyu Xu

Qiuyi Peng

Xiaoqing Luo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem where various cellular and molecular interactions shape the course of cancer progression. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) plays a pivotal role in this context. This study delves into the biological properties and functions of M-CSF in regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and its role in modulating host immune responses. Through the specific binding to its receptor colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R), M-CSF orchestrates a cascade of downstream signaling pathways to modulate macrophage activation, polarization, and proliferation. Furthermore, M-CSF extends its influence to other immune cell populations, including dendritic cells. Notably, the heightened expression of M-CSF within the tumor microenvironment is often associated with dismal patient prognoses. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the roles of M-CSF in tumor growth advances our comprehension of tumor development mechanisms and unveils promising novel strategies and approaches for cancer treatment.

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