Mechanisms of tumor-associated macrophages affecting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are essential components of the immune cell stroma hepatocellular carcinoma. TAMs originate from monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, peripheral blood monocytes, and kupffer cells. The recruitment monocytes to HCC tumor microenvironment is facilitated by various factors, leading their differentiation into with unique phenotypes. can directly activate or inhibit nuclear factor-κB, interleukin-6/signal transducer signal activator transcription 3, Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor-β1/bone morphogenetic protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways in cells interact other via producing cytokines vesicles, thus affecting carcinoma proliferation, invasive migratory, angiogenesis, liver fibrosis progression, processes participate different stages progression. In recent years, have received much attention as a prospective treatment target for HCC. This review describes origin characteristics mechanism action occurrence development offer theoretical foundation further clinical research TAMs.