Macrophage polarization: tumor-associated macrophages as a paradigm for polarized M2 mononuclear phagocytes

Mononuclear phagocytes are versatile cells that can express different functional programs in response to microenvironmental signals. Fully polarized M1 and M2 (or alternatively activated) macrophages are the extremes of a continuum of functional states. Macrophages that infiltrate tumor tissues are driven by tumor-derived and T cell-derived cytokines to acquire a polarized M2 phenotype. These functionally polarized cells, and similarly oriented or immature dendritic cells present in tumors, have a key role in subversion of adaptive immunity and in inflammatory circuits that promote tumor growth and progression. The polarized functions of tumor-associated macrophages integrate them in circuits of subversion of antitumor immunity and in inflammatory mechanisms that promote tumor growth and progression.