All trans-retinoic acid abrogates the pro-tumorigenic phenotype of prostate cancer tumor-associated macrophages
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a prominent cell type of the tumor stroma and stimulate malignant cell growth, survival and metastasis.
The present manuscript demonstrates that prostate cancer cell-derived factors induce a pro-tumoral TAM-like phenotype characterized by increased proliferation and increased expression of pro-angiogenic, immunosuppressive and pro-metastatic factors.
These effects were abrogated by all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a clinically available molecule with known immune-modulating properties.
Furthermore, ATRA inhibited the cancer cell-stimulated proliferation of the pro-tumoral macrophages and restored their cytotoxic capacity towards prostate cancer cells.
These findings suggest the use of ATRA as an immunomodulating agent to block the activity of prostate cancer TAMs.
See also:
- All-Trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRA - analogues and/or derivatives);
- Solution of retinoids in vitamin E in the Di Bella Method biological multitherapy;