This review synthesizes current understanding of TREM2⁺ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) across multiple solid tumors, covering their signaling, immunometabolic roles, immune evasion mechanisms, clinical associations, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this myeloid population.
TREM2⁺ TAMs are linked to metabolic adaptation, immune evasion, and impaired antitumor immunity, but their biological functions vary substantially by tumor type, tissue niche, macrophage ontogeny, and microenvironmental context; the review proposes a context-dependent framework to guide biomarker development and precision immunotherapy.
As a narrative review, it does not pool original data or provide quantitative effect estimates; conflicting findings across tumor types are acknowledged but not resolved by meta-analysis; translational gaps between preclinical models and human disease remain.
TREM2⁺ macrophage abundance and spatial distribution may serve as candidate biomarkers for immunotherapy response; clinicians should be aware that targeting this population (via antibody-based approaches, macrophage reprogramming, or combination immunotherapy) is still in early translational stages with unresolved safety considerations.
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