ORCID
- Ming Li: 0000-0002-2540-1738
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a highly prevalent and aggressive primary brain tumor, is marked by poor prognosis due to the blood-brain barrier and chemoresistance, which limit conventional pharmacotherapy. Recent research has pivoted toward targeting the tumor microenvironment, where tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) drive gliomagenesis and malignant progression through immunosuppressive signaling. Small-molecule agents targeting TAMs have emerged as promising therapeutics, capable of reprogramming macrophage polarization, modulating immune cell dynamics, and suppressing glioma growth. This review explores the mechanistic roles of TAMs in glioma and evaluates how small-molecule compounds exert antitumor effects via TAM modulation. These insights lay a foundation for developing next-generation TAM-targeted therapies, offering significant potential for advancing macrophage-centric approaches in glioma treatment and translation to clinical practice.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-01-01
Publication Title
International Immunopharmacology
Volume
168
ISSN
1567-5769
Acceptance Date
2025-10-19
Deposit Date
2026-10-22
Additional Links
Keywords
Glioma, Macrophage polarization, Small-molecule drugs, Tumor microenvironment, Tumor-associated macrophages
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Wang, H., Luo, H., Zhong, H., Ockleton, A., Jiang, F., Yi, R., Yang, S., & Li, M. (2026) 'Small-molecule therapies targeting tumor-associated macrophages in glioma: mechanisms and potential', International Immunopharmacology, 168. Available at: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.115734
