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Updated: Nov 28, 2025
Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophils with Anti-Tumor Properties
Published on: June 19, 2015
In Vitro Generation of Human Neutrophilic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Anurag Singh1, Nikolaus Rieber2,3
1Department of Pediatrics I, Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. anurag.singh@med.uni-tuebingen.de.
Abstract:
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of cells of myeloid origin. MDSC are functionally defined by their capacity to suppress T, NK, and B cell responses and henceforth altering the disease outcome in various pathological conditions. MDSC are further subdivided into three distinct subsets: monocytic (M-) MDSC, neutrophilic or polymorphonuclear (PMN-) MDSC, and early-stage (e-) MDSC. However, since surface markers utilized to define MDSC are expressed on other myeloid cells too, it is mandatory to functionally assess the suppressive activity for characterizing these cells. Here, we provide a protocol for generation of PMN-MDSC in vitro from freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These MDSC can be used further to perform functional assays to determine their immunosuppressive potential or test their activities in various biological conditions, for instance in infection and cancer.
Insights
This study details a protocol for generating polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC) in vitro from human blood. These cells can be used to study their immune-suppressive functions in various diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are key regulators of immune responses.
- MDSC comprise distinct subsets, including monocytic (M-MDSC) and polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSC).
- Functional assessment is crucial for MDSC characterization due to overlapping surface markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a reliable protocol for in vitro generation of human PMN-MDSC.
- To enable functional studies of PMN-MDSC in various pathological contexts.
- To facilitate research on MDSC-mediated immune suppression.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- In vitro culture and differentiation protocol for PMN-MDSC generation.
- Preparation for functional assays to assess immunosuppressive activity.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of PMN-MDSC in vitro from human PBMCs.
- The generated PMN-MDSC are suitable for functional characterization.
- The protocol provides a standardized method for obtaining these cells.
Conclusions:
- The described protocol facilitates the study of PMN-MDSC biology.
- This method supports research into the role of MDSC in disease.
- Standardized PMN-MDSC generation aids in understanding immunosuppression mechanisms.
