Nanopolymer-Mediated Targeting Cancer with M1 Macrophage Polarizing Factors: A Unique Strategy to Fight against Cancer

Macrophages are abundantly present, approx. 1010 cells, in almost all tissues of humans. They mainly function as phagocytic cells to make the human body disease-free from any eternal pathogens. The main two types of macrophages, M1 and M2 are known, of which M1 macrophages produces toxic NO, citrulline, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-12, IL- 23. M1 type while known as pro-inflammatory and also for their microbicidal and tumoricidal activities, the other type, M2 macrophages, are found to be antiinflammatory but tumor-promoting, one. The unique features of M1 and M2 macrophages either as a tumoricidal or as a tumor promoting could be interested as a mechanism of tumor therapy, in future. Here, we review the strategies to exploit macrophages as therapeutic tools and targets in cancer therapy. In particular, the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cancer therapy will be focused.