Tumor-Associated Macrophages Facilitate the Proliferation and Migration of Cervical Cancer Cells

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important components in tumor microenvironment. This study intended to explore the influence of TAMs on cervical cancer cells proliferation and migration. The expression levels of TAMs markers, CD68 and CD163, in tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry and increased with the progression of cervical lesions (p < 0.05). TAMs with M2-like phenotype (PMA(Polymethacrylate) induced THP-1 cells) were noticed to promote the proliferation of cervical cancer cells and improve the migration ability of tumor cells. These enhancements were attributed to secreting soluble components and the physical contact between macrophages and tumor cells. The tumor formation and tumor growth were significantly faster in the mixed group of induced THP-1 cells and SiHa than in the SiHa cells alone group (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the interaction of macrophages and cervical cancer cells, including the secretion of soluble components and physical contact, were responsible for shaping immunosuppression microenvironments and in promoting tumor cell proliferation and migration.