Innate Priming and Tumor-Associated Macrophage Reprogramming: A Commentary on Emerging Immunotherapeutic Strategies

The dynamic and multifaceted role of tumorassociated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) has garnered substantial attention in recent years, owing to their profound influence on tumor progression, immune modulation, and therapeutic response. In their review, “The Role of Innate Priming in Modifying Tumor-associated Macrophage Phenotype”, Topham et al. delve into the complexities of TAM plasticity and the mechanisms driving their phenotypic polarization. TAMs, which originate from recruited monocytes or resident macrophages, are inherently shaped by the immunological, metabolic, and epigenetic landscapes of the TME. Depending on local cues, TAMs can adopt either pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic phenotypes, thus playing a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of cancer development and treatment outcomes.