Macrophage immunotherapy: overcoming impediments to realize promise

Trends Immunol. 2022 Dec;43(12):959-968. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2022.10.002. Epub 2022 Oct 29.

Abstract

As an essential component of immunity, macrophages have key roles in mammalian host defense, tissue homeostasis, and repair, as well as in disease pathogenesis and pathophysiology. A source of fascination and extensive research, in this Opinion we challenge the utility of the M1-M2 paradigm, and discuss the importance of accurate characterization of human macrophages. We comment on the application of single cell analytics to define macrophage subpopulations and how this could advance therapeutic options. We argue that human macrophage cell therapy can be used to alleviate many diseases, and offer a viewpoint on the knowledge gaps that must be filled to render such a therapeutic approach a reality and, ideally, a common future practice in precision medicine.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04660929 NCT01656135.

Keywords: CAR macrophage; M1-M2 paradigm; cellular immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors*
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Macrophages
  • Mammals
  • Precision Medicine

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT04660929
  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01656135

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