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17 December, 2023 by Anshul (neobio)
Ever wondered why your body recovers from infections or injuries? A great deal of credit goes to a unique class of cells known as macrophages. These cells are vital components of your immune system that leap into action when your body encounters threats like bacteria, viruses, or even cancer cells. By gobbling up these invaders, macrophages protect your body and help maintain a healthy state of affairs. However, not all macrophages are the same. Depending on their environment and the signals they receive, macrophages adopt different phenotypes and behaviors. One unique subpopulation of these cells that is attracting scientific attention in the field of disease research and immunotherapy is the CD163 M2 macrophage.
CD163 M2 macrophages are a subset of macrophages identified by their expression of a specific marker named CD163. They are known for their role in dampening inflammatory responses and promoting tissue repair. Often associated with tumorigenic activities, CD163 M2 macrophages are highly prevalent in the microenvironment of various inflammatory and malignant conditions.
These cells are recognized for their abilities to endocytose multiple ligands, including the crucial haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex. The study of CD163 M2 macrophages may therefore provide rich potential for developing innovative medical treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Key Features of CD163 M2 Macrophages:
To fully grasp the role and relevance of CD163 M2 macrophages in our immune system, we need to delve into their unique characteristics, their role in scavenging haptoglobin-hemoglobin complexes, and the impact they have on macrophage polarization.
As we know, CD163 is a class I scavenger receptor expressed exclusively on monocytes/macrophages. However, what sets CD163 M2 macrophages apart from their counterparts is their regulation by inflammatory responses. Anti-inflammatory signals, such as IL-10 and glucocorticoid, promote CD163 expression whereas pro-inflammatory signals, like LPS, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, inhibit CD163 synthesis.
In tumor models, a high level of CD163 is often observed in macrophages undergoing differentiation toward the M2 phenotype. This characteristic is crucial as it can be used to identify macrophages in tissue sections, with CD163 being a specific marker for M2 macrophages.
CD163 plays a pivotal role in clearing haptoglobin-hemoglobin (Hp-Hb) complexes. This process occurs when hemoglobin (Hb) is released into the plasma during physiological or pathological intravascular hemolysis, such as inflammation or hemorrhage in a tumor.
The released Hb forms complexes with plasma glycoprotein Hp, which then bind with CD163 in a calcium-dependent manner. This binding stimulates the induction of hemo oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a heme-detoxification enzyme involved in macrophage polarization toward an M2 phenotype. This CD163-HO-1-IL-10 axis plays a significant part in forming an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
Dr. Atul K. Tandon, Founder and CEO of NeoBiotechnologies, emphasizes the importance of understanding that CD163 is not just a receptor but also a key player in macrophage polarization. As mentioned earlier, the binding of Hp-Hb complexes to CD163 stimulates the induction of HO-1, which is crucial for macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype.
In addition, CD163 expression is tightly linked with macrophage differentiation. The high level of CD163 is a feature of macrophages shifting towards the “alternatively activated” or M2 phenotype. This transformation is especially significant in the context of tumor growth and progression, where M2 macrophages often contribute to an immunosuppressive environment.
In conclusion, the biological significance of CD163 M2 macrophages lies in their unique ability to scavenge Hp-Hb complexes and their impact on macrophage polarization. Understanding these characteristics can aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for various diseases, including cancer.
Elevated expression of CD163 has been closely linked with advanced stages of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, rectal cancer, bladder cancer, and meningioma. In these types of cancer, not only do the tumor cells themselves express CD163, but the level of CD163 expression is often associated with metastatic grade, early recurrence, and reduced patient survival. As such, CD163 expression can serve as a potential biomarker for the progression and prognosis of these cancers.
The role of CD163 in tumor cells extends beyond mere expression. In fact, tumor cells that express CD163 have been shown to be more resistant to radiotherapy, contributing to their survival and proliferation. Furthermore, these CD163+ tumor cells are suggested to constitute a subpopulation of cancer cells that are associated with increased metastatic activity, largely induced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). This highlights the significance of CD163 in not only the progression of cancer but also in its metastasis.
Interestingly, CD163 has been identified as a receptor for the TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF superfamily involved in proinflammatory responses, proangiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. In tumor cells, the binding of TWEAK to its receptor can stimulate tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoting tumor growth and immune suppression. However, on macrophages, TWEAK selectively binds to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain of CD163, which contributes to its degradation and sequestration in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This suggests a potential antitumor benefit of the TWEAK–CD163 interaction in macrophages.
The prognostic value of CD163 extends beyond its expression on tumor cells. The level of tumor-infiltrating CD163+ macrophages has been suggested as a prognostic biomarker for cancer patients with poor outcomes. Specifically, an increased activity of CD163+ TAMs, reflected by a higher circulating level of soluble CD163 (sCD163), has been associated with a worse prognosis in these patients.
The role of CD163 in cancer does not end with its prognostic value. CD163+ macrophages are believed to play a role in resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Upregulation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which enhances proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in CD163+ tumor cells, is believed to contribute to this immunoresistance. As such, targeting CD163+ macrophages could potentially improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
In conclusion, CD163 M2 macrophages play a crucial role in the progression, metastasis, and immunoresistance of various cancers. Further research into these macrophages and their interactions with tumor cells and the TME could help develop novel therapeutic strategies and improve the efficacy of current treatments. For researchers in need of highly validated and specific monoclonal antibodies for their studies on CD163 M2 macrophages, companies like NeoBiotechnologies provide a wide range of options suitable for various applications such as Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, Western Blotting, or Immunofluorescence.
Macrophages, specifically the CD163 M2 macrophages, have a significant role in the immune system. Understanding their function and behavior can provide us with valuable insights and tools for disease treatment and prevention. Let’s delve into some of the clinical implications and future directions of CD163 M2 macrophages research.
In cancer research, the search for reliable prognostic biomarkers is crucial. These markers can give us insights into how the disease may progress and the most effective treatment strategies. One promising biomarker is the soluble form of CD163 (sCD163).
Research shows that the presence of sCD163 can indicate the presence and progression of various cancers, including metastatic gastric cancer. The higher the concentration of sCD163, the more advanced the cancer stage, suggesting it could be a valuable tool in predicting cancer progression.
Immunotherapy is a promising approach in cancer treatment, aiming to stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. However, the effectiveness of this method can be influenced by the tumor microenvironment, specifically the presence of CD163 hi macrophages.
These macrophages are often abundant in tumor tissues and can inhibit the body’s immune response against cancer cells. Therefore, targeting and reducing the number of CD163 hi macrophages could potentially enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy treatments.
The study of M2 macrophages has provided valuable insights into the progression of various cancers, including Kazakh esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this specific study, an increase in M2 macrophages was observed in tumor tissues. Additionally, a positive correlation was noted between the number of M2 macrophages and the expression of MMP9, a protein known for promoting tumor growth and invasion.
This suggests that M2 macrophages could contribute to the aggressiveness of ESCC and that targeting these cells could be a potential therapeutic strategy. NeoBiotechnologies offers a range of validated CD163 antibodies that can be used in this line of research.
Understanding the role and impact of CD163 M2 macrophages is crucial in the advancement of cancer research and treatment. As we continue to uncover more about these cells, we move closer to developing more effective and personalized treatments for cancer patients.
In the complex arena of cancer research, the role of CD163 M2 macrophages cannot be overstated. These specialist cells, marked by the CD163, have a significant impact on the immunological landscape of tumors. Their presence often correlates with poor prognosis in various types of malignant tumors. Furthermore, they are known to possess immunosuppressive characteristics, which can contribute to the progression and metastasis of cancer.
Understanding the biology and functions of CD163 M2 macrophages is therefore crucial in advancing our knowledge of cancer immunology and developing more effective therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the insights gained from studying these cells can help refine our understanding of the immune system’s role in cancer, paving the way for the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic tools.
The unique characteristics of CD163 M2 macrophages make them a promising therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Various preclinical studies have shown that targeting CD163+ macrophages can lead to tumor regression in certain mouse models. Therefore, developing drugs or therapies that can effectively target these cells could potentially enhance the efficacy of existing cancer treatments and improve patient outcomes.
It’s also worth noting that the ability to reprogram CD163+ macrophages from a tumor-promoting “M2-like” phenotype to a tumoricidal “M1-like” phenotype has been demonstrated in vitro. This opens up the possibility of not just eliminating these cells, but also harnessing their potential for therapeutic purposes.
However, while the therapeutic potential of targeting CD163 M2 macrophages is promising, it’s important to remember that more research is needed to fully understand the implications and possible side effects of this approach. As we continue to uncover the intricacies of these cells and their role in cancer, companies like NeoBiotechnologies are committed to providing highly validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies to facilitate this crucial research.
For further reading, you can explore more about CD163 macrophage marker and other macrophage markers on the NeoBiotechnologies website.
