Tumor and tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs)

Tumor and tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs) represent a diverse and plastic population of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) [PMID: 33536591]. These cells are typically recruited by tumor-derived signals and are often subverted to support tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and suppressing anti-tumor T-cell responses [PMID: 30610225]. Because of their critical role in establishing an immunosuppressive niche, TAMCs are major targets for cancer immunotherapy [PMID: 29063028]. Current pharmacological approaches aim to block their recruitment via chemokine receptor inhibition, deplete them using CSF1R inhibitors, or re-educate them to regain their immunostimulatory and tumoricidal properties [PMID: 31361483]. While not a single molecular target, the myeloid compartment is a key therapeutic focus for overcoming resistance to checkpoint inhibitors [PMID: 33536591].

Other names

Tumor-associated myeloid cellsMyeloid-derived suppressor cellsTumor-associated macrophagesTAMsMDSCsTumor-associated neutrophilsTANsMyeloid compartment of the TME

Therapeutic strategies involve the depletion of immunosuppressive myeloid cells, inhibition of their recruitment to the tumor site, or functional reprogramming from a pro-tumorigenic (M2-like) to an anti-tumorigenic (M1-like) phenotype.