Reciprocal Relationship Between Cancer Stem Cells and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells: Implications for Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Recently, there has been an increased focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs) due to their resilience, making them difficult to eradicate. This resilience often leads to tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSCs adeptly manipulate their surroundings to create an environment conducive to their survival. In this environment, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition and bolstering CSCs’ stemness. In response, CSCs attract MDSCs, enhancing their infiltration, expansion and immunosuppressive capabilities. This interaction between CSCs and MDSCs increases the difficulty of antitumor therapy. In this paper, we discuss the interplay between CSCs and MDSCs based on current research and highlight recent therapeutic strategies targeting either CSCs or MDSCs that show promise in achieving effective antitumor outcomes.

Plain language summary

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a kind of tumor cell. These cells are hard to kill but contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exist in the tumor tissue and are unfriendly to the antitumor immune response. The interaction between CSCs and MDSCs has a protective effect on tumor progression. Therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs or MDSCs present potential to weaken the complex interaction between the two cell types. This review summarizes the current knowledge of CSCs–MDSCs interaction and offers fresh perspectives on the future development of antitumor therapies targeting CSCs or MDSCs.

Keywords::

• cancer stem cells
• myeloid-derived suppressor cells
• therapeutic strategies
• tumor microenvironment
• tumor progression

Author contributions

GQ Ding conceptualized and edited the manuscript. H Yu drafted and edited the manuscript. J Jing, X Qiao, JY Ma and T Zhang revised the manuscript. GQ Ding and JY Ma designed and drafted the figures. XD Cheng reviewed and supervised the work. All authors approved the final version for publication.

Financial disclosure

This work was supported by National Nature Science Foundation (No. 82304779), the Innovative Project in Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. YYKC-2021-01-154) and the Scientific Research Project in Yue-yang Hospital of Integrative Medicine (No. 2021yygm02). The authors have no other 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 apart from those disclosed.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, stock ownership or options and expert testimony.

Writing disclosure

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.