Macrophages are heterogeneous immune cells present in all tissues, which plasticity allows them participating in tissue homeostasis and immune response. In cancer, macrophages are principal effector cells in antibodydependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and phagocytosis (ADCC and ADCP) of tumor cells, but also undergo to alternative activation and promote a Th2 pro-tumor microenvironment that negatively affect the success of chemo-immunotherapy. In allergy there is also a Th2 microenvironment, but macrophage features and functions are poorly understood. It is known that IgE induces a strong activation of Fc epsilon receptors, while IgG4 exposure repolarized macrophages to an immune-regulatory phenotype. The goal of the TF is to fill the gap of a more precise characterization of macrophages in allergy and cancer that would be helpful to benefit from macrophages as immunomodulatory tools in diagnostic and therapy. To this end, a multidisciplinary group at TF will collect and intensively review recent scientific literature (and -omics databases) including the mechanisms underlying macrophage activation/polarization in cancer and allergy, and highlighting common and opposite properties of macrophages in both diseases. First, an extended and complete state-of-art database of what we know about macrophages in cancer and allergy will be created, which will be then used to elaborate a position paper on the characteristics of macrophages in allergy and cancer, and to develop materials on EAACI e-learning platform that helps to improve the understanding on macrophage potential therapeutic role in AO. Thereby, through this TF, EAACI will inspire research focused on this area and will increase clinicians’ awareness on macrophages as immunomodulatory tools in the diagnostic and therapy of allergy and cancer, ultimately contributing to help the lives of patients suffering from these diseases.

WG AllergoOncology (Basic & Clinical Immunology Section)

Chair: Elena Izquierdo
Secretary: Rodolfo Bianchini