The Role of JAK-STAT in Tumor-associated Macrophage Polarization

The polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely related to the proliferation, invasion, immune escape and chemotherapy resistance of tumor cells. Promoting M1 macrophage polarization and inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization have become new strategies for tumor treatment. The JAK/STAT pathway is involved in the regulation of TAM polarization. Cytokines in TME, tumor-inhibiting chemicals and Chinese medicines and their extracts can regulate TAM polarization by activating or inhibiting JAK/STAT pathway. Activation of JAK-STAT1 and JAK-STAT5 can induce M1 polarization and inhibit tumor development. Activation of JAK-STAT3 and JAK-STAT6 can induce M2 polarization and promote tumor development. Activation of JAK-STAT1 and inhibition of JAK-STAT6 can induce polarization of M2 to M1. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit tumor development by exploring drugs that can activate the JAK-STAT1 and JAK-STAT5 pathways or inhibit the JAK-STAT3 and JAK-STAT6 pathways. In this paper, the relationship between JAK/STAT pathway and TAM polarization is reviewed, which provides ideas and optimization suggestions for the development of tumor targeted therapeutic drugs.