Emerging immuno-oncology targets in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Approaches to immunologic therapies in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have generally fallen into 2 categories: therapies that target immune effector cells and enhance or direct an antileukemic effect, and therapies which target immunological markers on MDS progenitors themselves. Examples of the former include immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulatory therapies, and vaccines, among others, while examples of the latter include antibody-drug conjugate therapies and naked antibodies; while bispecific antibodies and modified T-cells (such as CAR-T therapies) bridge both therapeutic modalities. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for the above therapies, clinical results to date, and potential future directions for investigation.