Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a critical role in suppressing immune responses in patients with cancer or severe inflammation. Recent studies have focused on the strong relationship between MDSCs and autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Interestingly, MDSCs appear to serve multifaceted functions in autoimmunity, playing both protective and pathogenic roles. Therefore, although MDSCs may be a functional target for the therapy of autoimmune diseases, the disorders that accompany such treatments should be noted. In this manuscript, we summarize the functions and molecular regulation of MDSCs in immunity and autoimmune disease.
Keywords: MDSCs; T cells; autoimmune disease; immune modulation; innate immunity.