AUTHOR=Zhang Yinqi , Han Guoyong , Gu Jian , Chen Zhiqiang , Wu Jindao 

TITLE=Role of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma: impact, mechanism, and therapy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=15

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1429812

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2024.1429812

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=<p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly frequent malignancy worldwide. The occurrence and progression of HCC is a complex process closely related to the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The polarization of TAMs is affected by a variety of signaling pathways and surrounding cells. Evidence has shown that TAMs play a crucial role in HCC, through its interaction with other immune cells in the TME. This review summarizes the origin and phenotypic polarization of TAMs, their potential impacts on HCC, and their mechanisms and potential targets for HCC immunotherapy.</p>