Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Ovarian Cancer-Looking Back and Forward

Cells. 2023 Jul 22;12(14):1912. doi: 10.3390/cells12141912.

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a significant role in the immune system and have been extensively studied in cancer. MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the high abundance of these cells often leads to immunosuppression, tumor growth, treatment failure, and poor prognosis. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female genital tract. Currently, there is a lack of effective clinical strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Although several studies underline the negative role of human MDSCs in ovarian cancer, this topic is still understudied. The works on MDSCs are summarized here, along with an explanation of why focusing on these cells would be a promising approach for treating ovarian cancer patients.

Keywords: CAR-M; MDSCs; TME; immunotherapy; myeloid-derived suppressor cells; ovarian cancer; therapy resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Myeloid Cells
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells* / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Grants and funding

This work was supported in part by research grants from the National Science Centre (Preludium 16 2018/31/N/NZ2/02338 to K. Okła).