Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies, with limited responsiveness to standard chemotherapy and poor long-term prognosis. Tumor-associated macrophages, particularly M2-polarized populations, play a crucial role in immune suppression and tumor progression. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can differentiate into functional immune cells, providing an unlimited and patient-specific source for cell-based immunotherapy.
In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of hiPSC-derived macrophages (hiMACs), specifically M1-polarized hiMACs, against ovarian cancer. In a co-culture system, M1-hiMACs significantly reduced the viability of ovarian cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and necrosis, whereas M0 macrophages showed minimal effects. In vivo , intravenous administration of M1-hiMACs into nude mice bearing ovarian cancer cells resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in tumor volume.
Furthermore, combination therapy with paclitaxel and M1-hiMACs led to greater tumor regression and enhanced histological necrosis compared to either treatment alone.
These findings demonstrate the potent anti-tumor effects of M1-hiMACs and highlight their potential for cellular immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, particularly in combination with chemotherapy.