Histological perspective on the effects of tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment surrounding papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most noticeable elements of the tumor microenvironment. The present study investigated the relationships between the density of CD163 immunolabeled M2-like TAMs with other histological properties of the tumor microenvironment and clinipathological features in 90 patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). The percentage of TAMs was higher in tumors with significant lymphocytic tumor response (p = 0.020), in tumors with a significant degree of stromal tumor response (p = 0.014), those with infiltrative tumor borders (p = 0.029), in conventional variant papillary carcinoma (p = 0.032), and in patients with autoantibodies for thyroid peroxidase (p = 0.014). The tumors associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis had lower numbers of TAMs (p = 0.027). In conclusion, for the first time, the present study attempts to establish a full assessment of interactions of CD163 expressing M2-like TAMs with the triad of primary tumor-tumor microenvironment-tumor behavior and above all, with markers of autoimmunity. Thus, these alternatively polarized macrophages may act in tumor progression and dissemination according to their various products, which may be ordered by tumor cells or neighboring immune cells. The molecular studies may reveal their roles in various tumors and may improve the therapy strategies targeting TAMs in various malignant tumors, including PTCs.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis attenuates progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma: deciphering immunological links

“…Their key stimulators are interleukins IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 produced by Th2-cells and Treg cells under autoimmune inflammation (Martinez et al, 2008;Park et al, 2019). In contrast to M1 phenotype, M2-polarized macrophages are anti-inflammatory; they produce numerous growth factors promoting tumor growth and metastases (Can et al, 2016;Lin et al, 2019). It is interesting to note that tumor-associated macrophages closely resemble M2 macrophages in their function as the former prevent T-cell proliferation and activation by the secretion of restrictive chemokines IL-10, prostaglandins and TGF-β (Wang et al, 2015;Lin et al, 2019).…”

Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma and Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features (NIFTP)

“…7th edition of AJCC TNM Classification System of Malignant Tumors (2010) reported size of primary tumor (>2cm), extra thyroidal extension, distant metastasis, lymphnode metastasis and age at the time of diagnosis (above 45 years) as the most important criteria in evaluating biological features of these tumors. In addition, multi focality, vascular invasion, in complete surgery, some specific variants and male gender have been suggested as potential prognostic factors [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Some histologic variants of these tumors are known to show aggressive behavior.…”

The relationship of tumour-associated macrophages (CD68, CD163, CD11c) and cancer stem cell (CD44) markers with prognostic parameters in breast carcinomas

“…The tumour microenvironment is composed of many cells, such as inflammatory cells, macrophages, and extracellular matrix [3]. In IBC, the tumour microenvironment is rich in macrophages and can reach 50% [6,7]. Macrophages are divided into subgroups by participating in certain immunological processes according to the environment and growth factors secreted by them.…”