MDSCs in infectious diseases: regulation, roles, and readjustment

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pathogen-Host Interactions
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Pathogens, including viruses and parasites, induce the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
• MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells characterized by potent immunosuppressive functions.
• The specific roles of MDSCs during infection are complex and influenced by pathogen type, virulence, disease stage, and host pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and critically evaluate evidence on the functional roles of distinct MDSC subsets in acute and chronic infections.
• To investigate the involvement of MDSCs in pathogen-associated malignancies.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies for modulating MDSC activity to improve host outcomes during infection and disease.

Main Methods:

• Compilation and synthesis of existing research findings.
• Analysis of functional assays demonstrating MDSC activity in infectious models.
• Review of studies linking MDSCs to cancer development in the context of infection.

Main Results:

• MDSC subsets play diverse roles in modulating immune responses during infections, varying with pathogen and disease context.
• MDSCs are implicated in the progression of certain pathogen-associated malignancies by suppressing anti-tumor immunity.
• Evidence suggests that manipulating MDSC populations can impact disease severity and progression.

Conclusions:

• MDSCs are key regulators of the immune response to pathogens and are involved in infection-related cancers.
• Understanding the specific functions of MDSC subsets is crucial for developing targeted immunomodulatory therapies.
• Modulating MDSC dynamics offers a promising avenue for enhancing host defense and improving treatment outcomes.