Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC): When good intentions go awry

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immature myeloid cells implicated in biological stress responses.
• Traditionally, MDSC are recognized for their negative impact on chronic inflammation and cancer.
• However, MDSC also possess intrinsic roles in immunoregulation, wound healing, and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of MDSC in various physiological and pathological conditions.
• To explore the environmental and epigenetic factors influencing MDSC function.
• To summarize the evidence for MDSC involvement in specific diseases and COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating MDSC functions.
• Analysis of examples demonstrating the dual impact of MDSC.
• Summary of evidence on epigenetic mechanisms regulating MDSC.

Main Results:

• MDSC exhibit context-dependent protective and detrimental effects.
• Prolonged inflammation can drive MDSC towards harmful functions via epigenetic changes.
• MDSC play a role in maternal-fetal tolerance, cancer, sepsis, trauma, and COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• MDSC present a paradoxical role in health and disease.
• Environmental and epigenetic factors are critical in determining MDSC function.
• Understanding MDSC's dual nature is crucial for therapeutic strategies.