Crucial role of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the regulation of central nervous system autoimmune disease

J Immunol. 2012 Feb 1;188(3):1136-46. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101816. Epub 2011 Dec 30.

Abstract

There is a need in autoimmune diseases to uncover the mechanisms involved in the natural resolution of inflammation. In this article, we demonstrate that granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) abundantly accumulate within the peripheral lymphoid compartments and target organs of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis prior to disease remission. In vivo transfer of G-MDSCs ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, significantly decreased demyelination, and delayed disease onset through inhibition of encephalitogenic Th1 and Th17 immune responses. Exposure of G-MDSCs to the autoimmune milieu led to up-regulation of the programmed death 1 ligand that was required for the G-MDSC-mediated suppressive function both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, myeloid-derived suppressor cells were enriched in the periphery of subjects with active multiple sclerosis and suppressed the activation and proliferation of autologous CD4(+) T cells ex vivo. Collectively, this study revealed a pivotal role for myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the regulation of multiple sclerosis, which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Transplantation
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / immunology*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / immunology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / therapy
  • Granulocytes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology