Next-generation macrophage engineering in cancer therapy: From TAM reprogramming to CAR-macrophages.
- Open access
Engineered macrophages, including CAR-Ms, can reprogram tumor microenvironments and convert "cold" tumors into therapy-responsive niches, with over 100 genetic modifications explored.
- Why it matters: Current therapies targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have limited success due to compensatory mechanisms, highlighting the need for precise functional reprogramming to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
- What they did: Researchers employed viral vectors, CRISPR-Cas, and RNA-based platforms to develop over 100 genetically engineered macrophage strategies, focusing on stabilizing pro-inflammatory states, resisting tumor-induced changes, and enhancing metabolic and checkpoint pathways.
- The result: These advances enable macrophages to act as programmable immune coordinators, opening new avenues for effective, adaptable cancer immunotherapies by overcoming tumor immune suppression.