Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as immunosuppressive regulators and therapeutic targets in cancer

2021/10/07 by Kai Li, Houhui Shi, Benxia Zhang +6 · 6 citations
Immunology and Microbiology · Neuroscience · #Immune cells in cancer #Inflammation biomarkers and pathways #Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms

paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41392-021-00670-9

openalex publication_date 2021/10/07 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogenic population of immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive effects, which undergo massive expansion during tumor progression. These cells not only support immune escape directly but also promote tumor invasion via various non-immunological activities. Besides, this group of cells are proved to impair the efficiency of current antitumor strategies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, MDSCs are considered as potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. Treatment strategies targeting MDSCs have shown promising outcomes in both preclinical studies and clinical trials when administrated alone, or in combination with other anticancer therapies. In this review, we shed new light on recent advances in the biological characteristics and immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs. We also hope to propose an overview of current MDSCs-targeting therapies so as to provide new ideas for cancer treatment.

Citations

• Tumor-induced myeloid deviation: when myeloid-derived suppressor cells meet tumor-associated macrophages
• HIF-1α regulates function and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment
• PD-L1 is a novel direct target of HIF-1α, and its blockade under hypoxia enhanced MDSC-mediated T cell activation
• β2 adrenergic receptor–mediated signaling regulates the immunosuppressive potential of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
• Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the era of increasing myeloid cell diversity
• Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries

Cited by

• Lactate-mediated immune suppression and MDSC expansion in endometriosis: Mechanisms and nanoparticle-targeted therapies
• LILRB4 regulates circadian disruption-induced mammary tumorigenesis via non-canonical WNT signaling pathway
• The Multifaceted Role of Osteopontin in Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment
• Reprogramming the tumor microenvironment: synergistic mechanisms of antibody–drug conjugates and immune checkpoint inhibitors
• Advancements in intratumoral therapies for liver tumors
• The paradoxical role of radiation‐induced <scp>cGAS–STING</scp> signalling network in tumour immunity

Related

• Tumor-induced myeloid deviation: when myeloid-derived suppressor cells meet tumor-associated macrophages
• Identification and Characterization of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) Using a Simple Approach for Conventional Flow Cytometry Analysis
• IL‐1β regulates a novel myeloid‐derived suppressor cell subset that impairs NK cell development and function
• Advances in the role of NK cells in MDS immune dysfunction and antitumor research
• Distinct myeloid-derived suppressor cell populations in human glioblastoma