Phenotypic plasticity of MDSC in cancers

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are traditionally known for suppressing adaptive immune responses in cancer and other diseases.
• Recent findings indicate that MDSCs can also exhibit anti-tumor properties, complicating their role in disease pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual functions of MDSCs in the context of immune responses.
• To explore the concept of phenotypic plasticity as the underlying mechanism for these opposing roles.
• To discuss the potential for therapeutic manipulation of MDSCs.

Main Methods:

• This mini-review synthesizes existing research on MDSC function and plasticity.
• Analysis of literature focusing on the phenotypic and functional diversity of myeloid cells.

Main Results:

• MDSC functions are not fixed; they exhibit significant phenotypic plasticity.
• Environmental cues dictate the morphology, physiological state, and function of myeloid cells, including MDSCs.
• This plasticity explains the observed contradictory roles of MDSCs in anti-tumor immunity.

Conclusions:

• The opposing functions of MDSCs stem from their inherent phenotypic plasticity.
• Targeting this plasticity with immune modulators offers a potential strategy to enhance anti-tumor immune responses.
• Further research into MDSC manipulation could lead to novel cancer immunotherapies.