Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in immunity and autoimmunity

Abstract

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:

• autoimmune disease
• immune modulation
• innate immunity
• MDSCs
• T cells

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Key issues

• There are multiple signaling pathways for myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to function as immune suppressors that can regulate immune responses.

• STAT3, NF-κB and C/EBP are involved in the main intrinsic signaling pathways, which regulate the differentiation and function of MDSCs.

• MDSCs function as immune suppressors by regulating other immune cells.

• MDSCs exert both protective and pathogenic effects in autoimmune responses or diseases.

• MDSCs provide a promising strategy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

• The functions and molecular mechanisms of MDSCs in autoimmunity should be further clarified in the future.