Targeting the AHR–IDO1–kynurenine pathway in TREM2+ macrophages restores antitumor immunity in thyroid cancer - Report - MDSpire

Modulating the AHR–IDO1–kynurenine axis in TREM2+ macrophages enhances antitumor immune responses in thyroid carcinoma

  • By

  • Fei Le

  • Xianming Huang

  • Youfang Jiang

  • Saiping Lv

  • Yaoyao Chen

  • July 21, 2026

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Modulating the AHR–IDO1–kynurenine axis in TREM2+ macrophages enhances antitumor immune responses in thyroid carcinoma

Overview

This study identifies TREM2+ tumor-associated macrophages in thyroid cancer that promote immune evasion via the AHR–IDO1–kynurenine signaling axis.

Background

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with rising incidence rates. Despite advances in treatment, immune checkpoint inhibitors show low response rates in thyroid cancer.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • TREM2+ macrophages are enriched in the thyroid cancer immune microenvironment.
  • These macrophages exhibit an immunosuppressive transcriptional and metabolic profile.
  • Activation of the AHR–IDO1–kynurenine axis impairs CD8+ T-cell function.
  • Pharmacological inhibition of AHR and IDO1 can reverse immune suppression.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the role of TREM2+ macrophages in thyroid cancer may inform future research directions.

Conclusion

The study highlights the immunometabolic mechanisms of TREM2+ macrophages in thyroid cancer.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- TREM1 unleashes immunosuppression in glioma: targeting macrophage polarization as a new therapeutic vulnerability
  2. Acta Neuropathologica, 2020 -- Activation of TREM2 in microglia enhances the clearance of myelin debris and supports remyelination in a multiple sclerosis model
  3. Infection, 2024 -- The Involvement of the Kynurenine Pathway in Neuropathogenesis Associated with COVID-19
  4. Journal of Clinical Oncology -- Systemic Treatment of Thyroid Cancer: ASCO Guideline
  5. Journal of Gastroenterology (Springer) — Single-cell analysis reveals crosstalk between TREM1-positive myeloid cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer progression
  6. ClinicalTrials.gov - Study Details | NCT04171622
  7. Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
  8. Systemic Treatment of Thyroid Cancer: ASCO Guideline | Journal of Clinical Oncology
  9. EudraCT Number 2017-004570-34 - Clinical trial results - EU Clinical Trials Register
  10. Effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in thyroid cancer: A systematic review - ScienceDirect
  11. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: structure, signaling, physiology and pathology | Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
  12. TREM2+ macrophages: a key role in disease development - PMC

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