Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as regulators of the immune system

  • Nat Rev Immunol. 2009 Mar;9(3):162-74. doi: 10.1038/nri2506.
Dmitry I Gabrilovich  1 ,  Srinivas Nagaraj
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Oncologic Sciences, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA. [email protected]
PMID: 19197294 DOI: 10.1038/nri2506
Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells that expand during Cancer, inflammation and Infection, and that have a remarkable ability to suppress T-cell responses. These cells constitute a unique component of the immune system that regulates immune responses in healthy individuals and in the context of various diseases. In this Review, we discuss the origin, mechanisms of expansion and suppressive functions of MDSCs, as well as the potential to target these cells for therapeutic benefit.