Defining the marker and developmental trajectory of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in aging by single-cell
Yaru Su1, Ruimin Wu2, Haochen Ai2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Npj Aging
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in aging impair immunity. Researchers identified a gene signature and CD300c as a specific marker to distinguish these cells, aiding research into age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) mediate immunosuppression in aging, increasing susceptibility to diseases.
- Current MDSC markers overlap with normal myeloid cells, hindering accurate identification and functional studies.
- Understanding MDSCs in aging is crucial for addressing age-related health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific markers and gene signatures for distinguishing aging-associated MDSCs from normal myeloid cells.
- To investigate the developmental origins and suppressive functions of MDSCs in aged individuals.
- To validate findings in both murine and human myeloid cells.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing was employed to compare MDSCs from aged and young mice.
- MDSC-specific gene signatures were established using computational analysis.
- Flow cytometry and functional assays were used to validate CD300c as a specific marker and assess T cell suppression.
- Human myeloid cells were analyzed to confirm the applicability of the findings.
Main Results:
- A novel MDSC-specific gene signature was developed, characterizing MDSCs in aging and enabling differentiation from normal myeloid cells.
- CD300c was identified as a specific marker for detecting and enriching MDSCs in aged populations.
- CD11b+Gr1+CD300c+ cells exhibited potent T cell suppressive activity.
- The identified gene signature demonstrated universality and applicability in human myeloid cells.
- MDSCs in aged individuals, similar to mice, appear to develop from mature myeloid cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed MDSC-specific gene signature and CD300c marker enhance the ability to study MDSCs in aging.
- These findings provide new tools for investigating the role of MDSCs in immunosenescence and age-related diseases.
- The study clarifies the developmental trajectory of MDSCs, suggesting a common origin with other myeloid cells in aged individuals.
