Enhancing the Phagocytic Clearance of Apoptotic Cells to Control Breast Carcinoma Progression

摘要

Macrophages have emerged as a key cell type influencing the initiation, progression and metastasis of breast cancer. Their impact on carcinogenesis is largely understood through their role in promoting a pro- or anti-inflammatory milieu. The phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages, a chief function of these cells, greatly influences the inflammatory status of macrophages. Despite the abundance of both macrophages and apoptotic cells in mammary tumors, little is known about how these cells interact in the tumor environment. Understanding how macrophages respond to apoptotic cells during the engulfment process should reveal important information on how this critical cell type influences the development and progression of breast cancer, with implications for future prevention and treatment strategies targeting macrophages. The aims of this study are designed to directly test the role of nucleotides as apoptotic cell find-me signals in the recruitment of macrophages to developing mammary tumors. The primary hypothesis is that the efficient recruitment and clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages reduces inflammation caused by potentially necrotic cells that can spur tumor growth.