Histone deacetylase inhibition facilitates GM-CSF-mediated expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in vitro and in vivo

J Leukoc Biol. 2012 May;91(5):701-9. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0311119. Epub 2011 Oct 25.

Abstract

Chromatin-modifying HDACi exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that reflect their ability to suppress DC function and enhance regulatory T cells. The influence of HDACi on MDSCs, an emerging regulatory leukocyte population that potently inhibits T cell proliferation, has not been examined. Exposure of GM-CSF-stimulated murine BM cells to HDACi led to a robust expansion of monocytic MDSC (CD11b(+)Ly6C(+)F4/80(int)CD115(+)), which suppressed allogeneic T cell proliferation in a NOS- and HO-1-dependent manner with similar potency to control MDSCs. The increased yield of MDSCs correlated with blocked differentiation of BM cells and an overall increase in HSPCs (Lin(-)Sca-1(+)c-Kit(+)). In vivo, TSA enhanced the mobilization of splenic HSPCs following GM-CSF administration and increased the number of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) cells in BM and spleen. Increased numbers of Gr1(+) cells, which suppressed T cell proliferation, were recovered from spleens of TSA-treated mice. Overall, HDACi enhance MDSC expansion in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that acetylation regulates myeloid cell differentiation. These findings establish a clinically applicable approach to augment this rare and potent suppressive immune cell population and support a novel mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory action of HDACi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / pharmacology*
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Histone Deacetylases / chemistry*
  • Hydroxamic Acids / pharmacology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Myeloid Cells / cytology*
  • Myeloid Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Hydroxamic Acids
  • trichostatin A
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Histone Deacetylases