%0 Journal Article
%T Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its role in the tumor microenvironment: novel therapeutic avenues and mechanistic insights.
%A Yi L
%A Gai Y
%A Chen Z
%A Tian K
%A Liu P
%A Liang H
%A Xu X
%A Peng Q
%A Luo X
%J Front Oncol
%V 14
%N 0
%D 2024
%M 38646440
%F 5.738
%R 10.3389/fonc.2024.1358750
%X The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem where various cellular and molecular interactions shape the course of cancer progression. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) plays a pivotal role in this context. This study delves into the biological properties and functions of M-CSF in regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and its role in modulating host immune responses. Through the specific binding to its receptor colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R), M-CSF orchestrates a cascade of downstream signaling pathways to modulate macrophage activation, polarization, and proliferation. Furthermore, M-CSF extends its influence to other immune cell populations, including dendritic cells. Notably, the heightened expression of M-CSF within the tumor microenvironment is often associated with dismal patient prognoses. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the roles of M-CSF in tumor growth advances our comprehension of tumor development mechanisms and unveils promising novel strategies and approaches for cancer treatment.