Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) enhance tumor progression by suppressing tumor-specific T cell responses, stimulating tumor angiogenesis, or promoting tumor cell metastasis. However, the biology of MDSCs have not been fully investigated. In the current study, we investigated the role of MDSCs in inducing cancer stem-like cells and explored a clinically feasible approach for targeting MDSCs-mediated cancer stem-like cells induction. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that MDSCs induced by tumor-derived G-CSF enhanced the stemness of cervical cancer cells by producing Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). We also demonstrated that anti-Gr-1 neutralizing antibody or celecoxib inhibited the induction of cancer stem-like cells and enhanced the efficacy of cisplatin in cervical cancer. In clinical samples, MDSCs, PGE2, and CSCs had positive correlations. In conclusion, G-CSF-induced MDSCs enhance the stemness of uterine cervical cancer cells by producing PGE2. Targeting MDSCs or PGE2 might be a reasonable strategy for enhancing the efficacies of treatments. .
Keywords: CSC; MDSC; celecoxib; cervical cancer; prostaglandin E2.