Moreover, TGF-β in the tumor microenvironment triggers the expression of TIM-3 on the surface of TAMs and subsequent IL-6 secretion; the TAM-derived IL-6 further activates the IL-6/signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT3) pathway in the tumor, sustaining survival and proliferation [43,118]. Here, STAT3 is linked to neoplasm.