Human MDSCs

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells strongly expand in many pathological conditions including cancer, and they suppress immunological responses by interfering with the effector functions of T cells, dendritic cells, and NK cells. The differentiation and accumulation of MDSCs is a negative outcome caused by the interplay between tumor cells and myelopoiesis. Since the phenotype of MDSCs and their mechanisms of action seem to depend on the type of cancer and stage of the disease, it is important to evaluate which MDSC subsets have prognostic values in the outcome of the disease. In the present chapter we will systematize the current information on the different populations of human MDSCs and their markers as well as their similarities/differences with MDSCs from murine models.