Engineering macrophages for cancer immunotherapy: emerging insights and therapeutic potential
Abstract
Macrophages strongly influence cancer progression through their adaptable phenotypes and responses to mechanical and biochemical cues. Their abundance across tumors and links to poor outcomes drive interest in macrophage-targeted therapies. This review highlights macrophage mechanobiology, key behaviors, and the potential of engineered macrophages, using genetic (CAR) or non-genetic "Trojan horse" and "backpacking" strategies, to deliver therapies and reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Immune cells in cancer
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Phagocytosis and Immune Regulation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- npj Biomedical Innovations.
- Publisher
- Springer Science and Business Media LLC
- Volume
- 3
- Issue
- 1
- Publication date
- 2 March 2026
- Language
- EN