Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in the therapy of autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are well recognised as critical factors in the pathology of tumours. However, their roles in autoimmune diseases are still unclear, which hampers the development of efficient immunotherapies. The role of different MDSCs subsets in multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus erythematosus displayed different mechanisms of immune suppression, and several studies pointed to MDSCs’ capacity to induce T helper (Th)17 cells and tissue damage. These results also suggested that MDSCs could be present in different functional states and utilise different mechanisms for controlling the activity of T and B cells. Therefore, various therapeutic strategies should be employed to restore homeostasis in autoimmune diseases. The therapies harnessing MDSCs could be designed either as cell therapy or rely on the expansion and activation of MDSCs in vivo or their depletion. Cumulatively, MDSCs are inevitable players in autoimmunity, and rational approaches in developing therapies are required to avoid the adverse effects of MDSCs and harness their suppressive mechanisms to improve the overall efficacy of autoimmunity therapy.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Editorial: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in health and diseases: harnessing their roles in the development of new immunotherapy approaches

“…Initial research designated MDSCs as pathologically activated myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive activities ( 1 ). However, additional roles of MDSCs in the regulation of immune response were demonstrated besides immunosuppression ( 1 , 2 ). Emergency myelopoiesis induced by chronic inflammation is the main generator of MDSCs.…”

“…Although primarily implicated in pathological conditions, such as cancer, infection, autoimmunity and obesity, emerging facts indicate MDSCs involvement in physiological conditions such as pregnancy, neonates, and ageing ( 5 ). These data illustrate the complexity of MDSCs development, regulation, and functions, so their roles in many conditions are still insufficiently investigated ( 1 , 2 , 5 ). The Research Topic entitled: Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Health and Diseases: Harnessing Their Roles in the Development of New Immunotherapy Approaches gathered 5 exquisite papers from totally 36 authors, illuminating the multifaceted roles of MDSCs in oncogenesis, maternal-fetal interface and ageing, all of which collectively deepen our understanding of MDSCs biology and opened new insight for the potential development of more efficient immunotherapeutic approaches.…”