Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: their role in the pathophysiology of hematologic malignancies and potential as therapeutic targets

• Published in: Leukemia & lymphoma Vol. 56; no. 8; pp. 2251 - 2263
• Main Authors: Younos, Ibrahim H., Abe, Fuminori, Talmadge, James E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 03.08.2015
• Subjects: Animals; Disease Progression; hematologic malignancies; Hematologic Neoplasms - diagnosis; Hematologic Neoplasms - immunology; Hematologic Neoplasms - metabolism; Hematologic Neoplasms - therapy; Humans; leukemia; lymphoma; Molecular Targeted Therapy; multiple myeloma; Myeloid Cells - immunology; Myeloid Cells - metabolism; Myeloid-derived suppressor cells; Prognosis; hematologic malignancies; leukemia; multiple myeloma; Myeloid-derived suppressor cells; lymphoma
• ISSN: 1042-8194; 1029-2403
• DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2014.987141

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells at various stages of differentiation/maturation that have a role in cancer induction and progression. They function as vasculogenic and immunosuppressive cells, utilizing multiple mechanisms to block both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity. Recently, their mechanism of action and clinical importance have been defined, and the cross-talk between myeloid cells and cancer cells has been shown to contribute to tumor induction, progression, metastasis and tolerance. In this review, we focus on the role of MDSCs in hematologic malignancies and the therapeutic approaches targeting MDSCs that are currently in clinical studies.