Macrophages are adaptable immune cells that can respond to signals from cancer cells, stromal tissue and other immune populations. In the gastric tumors examined in the study, Mac-CXCL10 and Mac-OLR1 represented distinct functional states. This macrophage–T-cell relationship offers a possible explanation for why some gastric tumors fail to respond even when immune checkpoint molecules are therapeutically blocked. Subject of Research:Macrophage states, tumor microenvironment, CD8⁺ T-cell immunity and immunotherapy response in gastric cancer. Keywords:Gastric cancer, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint blockade, tumor microenvironment, macrophages, CXCL10, OLR1, CD8⁺ T cells, interferon signaling, prostaglandin E₂, oxidized lipids, immunosuppression, single-cell atlas.