MAPK signaling pathway induced LOX-1⁺ polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells in biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe pediatric liver disease characterized by progressive bile duct destruction and fibrosis, leading to significant liver damage and frequently necessitating liver transplantation. This study elucidates the role of LOX-1⁺ polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) in BA pathogenesis and assesses their potential as non-invasive early diagnostic biomarkers. Using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and molecular profiling, we analyzed the expression and activity of these cells in peripheral blood and liver tissues from BA patients and controls. Our findings reveal a significant increase in the frequencies and function of LOX-1⁺PMN-MDSCs in BA patients, along with MAPK signaling pathway upregulation, indicating their involvement in disease mechanisms. Additionally, the frequencies of LOX-1⁺PMN-MDSC in peripheral blood significantly positively correlate with liver function parameters in BA patients, demonstrating diagnostic performance comparable to traditional serum markers. These findings suggest that LOX-1⁺PMN-MDSCs contribute to the immunosuppressive environment in BA and could serve as potential diagnostic targets.