Immunosuppressive Effects of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Cancer and Immunotherapy

Cells. 2021 May 11;10(5):1170. doi: 10.3390/cells10051170.

Abstract

The primary function of myeloid cells is to protect the host from infections. However, during cancer progression or states of chronic inflammation, these cells develop into myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that play a prominent role in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Overcoming the suppressive effects of MDSCs is a major hurdle in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms by which MDSCs promote tumor growth is essential for improving current immunotherapies and developing new ones. This review explores mechanisms by which MDSCs suppress T-cell immunity and how this impacts the efficacy of commonly used immunotherapies.

Keywords: MDSCs; T-cells; anti-PD-1; cancer; immunotherapy; tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Immunotherapy / methods*
  • Microbiota
  • Models, Biological
  • Myeloid Cells
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells / cytology*
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells / pathology
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Tumor Microenvironment / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Reactive Oxygen Species

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