Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as effectors of immune suppression in cancer.
The tumor microenvironment consists of an immunosuppressive niche created by the complex interactions between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. A critical component of this environment are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous group of immature myeloid cells arrested at different stages of differentiation and expanded in response to a variety of tumor factors. MDSCs exert diverse effects in modulating the interactions between immune effector cells and the malignant cells. An increased presence of MDSCs is associated with tumor progression, poorer outcomes, and decreased effectiveness of immunotherapeutic strategies. In this article, we will review our current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie MDSC expansion and their immune-suppressive function. Finally, we review the preclinical studies and clinical trials that have attempted to target MDSCs, in order to improve responses to cancer therapies.
Bone Marrow Transplant, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, CLS724, Boston, MA.
Athalia Rachel
AR
Pyzer
Bone Marrow Transplant, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, CLS724, Boston, MA.
Leandra
L
Cole
Bone Marrow Transplant, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, CLS724, Boston, MA.
Jacalyn
J
Rosenblatt
Bone Marrow Transplant, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Center for Life Sciences, CLS724, Boston, MA.
David E
DE
Avigan
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D000072737:Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment
cancer; immunology; myeloid; myeloid-derived suppressor cell