Abstract:
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are highly heterogeneous and plastic, functioning as critical immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs change their phenotype, metabolism, and function upon the stimulation of cytokines secreted by tumor cells. Different types of glucose metabolism mainly characterize TAMs metabolism. M1-type TAMs have enhanced aerobic glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway activity, while triphosphate cycle activity is reduced. In contrast, M2-type TAMs have complete triphosphate cycle activity. The distribution of TAM types within the TME varies, and the reprogramming of glucose metabolism can affect tumor migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. However, the specific mechanisms of glucose metabolism reprogramming affecting the tumor environment remain unclear. This review summarizes the current understanding of glucose metabolism reprogramming mechanisms in TAMs and their correlation with the immune response in the TME. Understanding TAM glucose metabolism reprogramming in tumor development is essential for generating targeted therapies and providing new directions for tumor treatment.