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Published on: October 19, 2013
Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells protect against hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia in
Boshi Yu1, Guixuan Hong1, Yubai Li1
1Department of Neonatology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, 1017 North Dongmen Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China.
Insights
Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) show promise in preventing lung damage in premature infants. These immune cells promote lung and blood vessel development while reducing inflammation in a neonatal mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Pulmonary medicine
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in premature infants, marked by impaired lung development and inflammation.
- Current clinical treatments for BPD are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Immune cells, particularly myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are implicated in BPD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective role of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) against hyperoxia-induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a neonatal mouse model.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of PMN-MDSCs in promoting lung development and reducing inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal mice were exposed to hyperoxia (85% oxygen) or normoxia (21% oxygen) from birth.
- Lung development was assessed using histological techniques (H&E staining, radial alveolar counts).
- Flow cytometry identified lung MDSC subsets, and PMN-MDSC adoptive transfer was performed to evaluate therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Hyperoxia induced significant lung damage, characterized by enlarged alveoli and reduced alveolarization.
- Hyperoxia decreased PMN-MDSC numbers while increasing monocytic MDSC numbers.
- PMN-MDSC transplantation improved alveolar structure, increased alveolar and vascular development, and reduced lung inflammation.
Conclusions:
- PMN-MDSCs demonstrate a protective effect against hyperoxia-induced lung injury in neonatal mice.
- These cells promote alveolar and vascular development and attenuate inflammation, suggesting therapeutic potential for BPD.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical applicability of PMN-MDSCs for BPD treatment.
Background:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which primarily affects premature infants, is characterized by impaired lung development, reduced alveolarization, and chronic inflammation, leading to long-term respiratory complications. However, clinical prevention treatment of BPD remains challenging. Because immune cells may have a role in BPD pathogenesis and prevention, we investigated whether polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) protect against hyperoxia-induced BPD in a neonatal mouse model.
Methods:
Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either normoxia (21 % oxygen) or hyperoxia (85 % oxygen) since birth. Lung development was analyzed on postnatal days 3, 7, and 14 by using histological techniques [hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and radial alveolar count (RAC) measurement]. Moreover, we used flow cytometry to identify lung myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets. PMN-MDSCs' therapeutic potential at key developmental stages was evaluated through adoptive transfer experiments. PMN-MDSC transplantation outcomes in the lung tissues were assessed through histological analysis, immunofluorescence staining for alveolar and vascular markers, and proinflammatory cytokine measurement.
Results:
Hyperoxia-exposed mice exhibited considerable lung damage, including enlarged and irregular alveoli, low RACs, and decreased body weights compared with normoxic controls. Hyperoxia reduced PMN-MDSC numbers but increased monocytic MDSC numbers. PMN-MDSC transplantation preserved alveolar structure and increased alveolar and pulmonary vessel numbers. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed enhanced alveolar and vascular development. Finally, PMN-MDSCs reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in lung tissues.
Conclusion:
PMN-MDSCs may protect against hyperoxia-induced lung injury by promoting alveolar and vascular development and reducing inflammation in neonatal mice. Further research elucidating precise mechanisms underlying the protective effects of PMN-MDSCs and their potential for clinical translation is warranted.

