The role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in hematologic malignancies

This article focuses on the immunosuppressive impact of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and the potential clinical implications in hematological malignancies. Recent findings MDSCs play a critical role in the regulation of the immune response in cancer. They inhibit activation of adaptive immune response and as a result foster the growth of the malignancy. Recent studies have shown that MDSCs serve as prognostic biomarkers and as targets for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinical and clinical studies have identified new approaches to deplete MDSC populations and inhibit MDSC function with combination immunomodulatory therapies including chemotherapeutic agents with immune checkpoint-directed treatment. Summary A broad spectrum of publications indicate that direct targeting of MDSCs may abrogate their protumorigenic impact within the tumor microenvironment through activation of the adaptive immune response.
Source: Current Opinion in Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: INNOVATIVE AGENTS AND TREATMENT MODALITIES: Edited by Ahmad Awada and Steven T. Rosen Source Type: research