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B cells and macrophages in cancer: yin and yang

Inflammation is an important component of the tumor microenvironment; however, the mechanisms through which immune cells might promote tumorigenesis are unclear. A recent study indicates that B cells and antibodies have a key role in orchestrating macrophage-driven, tumor-promoting inflammation, suggesting that modulating the pathways involved might be of therapeutic benefit in cancers driven by chronic inflammation.

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Figure 1: B cell–mediated orchestration of tumor-associated macrophages.

Katie Vicari

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Correspondence to Alberto Mantovani.

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Mantovani, A. B cells and macrophages in cancer: yin and yang. Nat Med 17, 285–286 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nm0311-285

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