Phenotypic Plasticity of MDSC in Cancers

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were initially reported as suppressor of the adaptive immune responses against cancer and other diseases. However, emerging evidence suggest that MDSCs may also support anti-tumor immune responses under certain conditions or may inhibit tumor growth. In the present mini-review, we suggest that such opposing functions of MDSCs are due to phenotypic plasticity of the myeloid cells, allowing them to produce a diverse form of morphology, physiological state, and function in response to environmental conditions. Therefore, they can be manipulated by means of immune modulators to overcome their immune suppressive function.

• Breast cancer relapse
• myeloid derived suppressor cells
• tumor immunoediting

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work was supported by grant funding from Virginia’s Commonwealth Health Research Board. The author gratefully acknowledges the support of VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Commonwealth Foundation for Cancer Research.

Declaration of interest: The author declares no competing financial interests. The author is responsible for the content and the writing of this paper.