The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell (MDSC) in Fungal Infections and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target
Mahdi Ghasempour1, Parisa Zafari2
1School of Medicine, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran.
Background:
The interaction between the immune system and fungi has long intrigued researchers, as fungi are among the most common organisms encountered by humans. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are specialized immune cells that play a key role in modulating immune responses during fungal infections by inhibiting T-cell activity.
Objectives:
This review aims to investigate the mechanisms by which MDSCs influence fungal infections and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
Methods:
A comprehensive review of existing studies examining MDSC activity in various fungal infections was conducted. Comparative analysis focused on the protective versus non-protective effects of MDSCs across different fungal species.
Results:
MDSCs suppress pro-inflammatory T-cell responses, leading to two contrasting outcomes. On one hand, this suppression mitigates disease progression by reducing harmful inflammation. On the other, it can enhance fungal survival by preventing T-cell-mediated damage. Protective effects of MDSCs have been observed in Candida albicans infections, whereas non-protective or detrimental effects have been reported in infections caused by Candida tropicalis, Paracoccidioides, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Malassezia, and Mucor species.
Conclusions:
MDSCs play a dual role in fungal infections, balancing protective immune regulation with facilitation of fungal persistence. Understanding their mechanisms offers promising avenues for the development of targeted immunotherapies against fungal pathogens.
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