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Reprogramming Tumour-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Immunotherapeutic Strategies

Xinyu Song
Vol.6, No.5, pp.8-13, 2026 DOI: 10.62051/ijphmr.v6n5.02 May 29, 2026
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Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still one of the top causes of cancer-related mortalities worldwide, and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) is a key obstacle for effective therapy. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most abundant immune cells in the HCC TME and display a pro-tumourigenic character, which is related with immunosuppression, angiogenesis and resistance to systemic therapy. Reprogramming TAMs from M2-like pro-tumourigenic to an anti-tumour M1-like state has appeared as a viable therapeutic strategy. Herein we discuss the molecular pathways involved in TAM polarisation in HCC, including the CSF1R, PI3Kγ and NF-κB/STAT3 signalling pathways and review the therapeutic approaches targeting TAM re-programming including CSF1R inhibition, TLR agonists, combination with immune checkpoint blockade, CAR-macrophage engineering and nanoparticle-mediated delivery.  We also highlight the clinical challenges of TAM-targeted therapy such as phenotypic plasticity and off-target toxicity, and markers for patient stratification.
Keywords: Tumour-associated macrophages, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Macrophage reprogramming, M1/M2 polarisation, Tumour microenvironment, CSF1R, Immune checkpoint blockade, CAR-macrophage
APA Citation: Xinyu Song (2026). Reprogramming Tumour-Associated Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Immunotherapeutic Strategies. International Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, 6(5), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijphmr.v6n5.02

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