IL-33 inhibits the differentiation and immunosuppressive activity of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor-bearing mice

Immunol Cell Biol. 2017 Jan;95(1):99-107. doi: 10.1038/icb.2016.72. Epub 2016 Aug 10.

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) contribute to tumor-mediated immune escape by suppressing antitumor immune responses. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is capable of regulating various immune cell populations; however, the effects of IL-33 on the differentiation of MDSCs have not been well characterized. In this study, we evaluated the effects of IL-33 on MDSCs and found that IL-33 significantly reduced the differentiation of lineage-negative bone marrow progenitor cells into granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs). IL-33-treated MDSCs exhibited diminished immunosuppressive capacity; reduced inhibition on T-cell proliferation and interferon-γ production, and diminished production of reactive oxygen species. However, IL-33 treatment did not affect the frequency of monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) or their production of nitric oxide and expression of arginase-1. Additionally, compared with control MDSCs, IL-33-treated MDSCs had reduced capacity to induce the differentiation or expansion of Treg cells. Moreover, in vivo IL-33 administration significantly decreased MDSCs and G-MDSCs accumulation in the spleen and tumor microenvironment. Also, despite increasing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration, IL-33 administration markedly decreased Treg-cell population in tumor microenvironment. Taken together, our findings indicate that IL-33 reduces the frequency and immunosuppressive activity of G-MDSCs and ultimately the extent of tumor growth.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
  • Cell Lineage / drug effects
  • Female
  • Immunosuppression Therapy*
  • Interleukin-33 / administration & dosage
  • Interleukin-33 / pharmacology*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / immunology*
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells / cytology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Interleukin-33
  • Reactive Oxygen Species