Monocyte heterogeneity and functions in cancer

Claire E. Olingy, Huy Q. Dinh, Catherine C. Hedrick

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

293 Scopus citations

Abstract

Monocytes are innate immune cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system that have emerged as important regulators of cancer development and progression. Our understanding of monocytes has advanced from viewing these cells as a homogenous population to a heterogeneous system of cells that display diverse responses to different stimuli. During cancer, different monocyte subsets perform functions that contribute to both pro- and antitumoral immunity, including phagocytosis, secretion of tumoricidal mediators, promotion of angiogenesis, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, recruitment of lymphocytes, and differentiation into tumor-associated macrophages and dendritic cells. The ability of cancer to evade immune recognition and clearance requires protumoral signals to outweigh ongoing attempts by the host immune system to prevent tumor growth. This review discusses current understanding of monocyte heterogeneity during homeostasis, highlights monocyte functions in cancer progression, and describes monocyte-targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-322
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology
Volume106
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Monocytes
  • cancer
  • myeloid cells
  • tumor microenvironment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

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