Molecular Pathways: Targeting Tumor-Infiltrating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells for Cancer Therapy

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous and immunosuppressive cell subset that blocks the proliferation and the activity of both T and natural killer (NK) cells and promotes tumor vasculogenesis and progression. Recent evidences demonstrate that the recruitment of MDSCs in tumors also blocks senescence induced by chemotherapy promoting chemoresistance. Hence, the need of novel therapeutic approaches that can efficiently target MDSC recruitment and function in cancer. Among them, novel combinatorial treatments of chemotherapy and immunotherapy or treatments that induce depletion of MDSCs in peripheral sites should be taken in consideration.