The immunosuppressive tumour network: myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells and natural killer T cells

Abstract

Summary Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells ( MDSC ) and regulatory T (Treg) cells are major components of the immune suppressive tumour microenvironment ( TME ). Both cell types expand systematically in preclinical tumour models and promote T‐cell dysfunction that in turn favours tumour progression. Clinical reports show a positive correlation between elevated levels of both suppressors and tumour burden. Recent studies further revealed that MDSC s can modulate the de novo development and induction of Treg cells. The overlapping target cell population of Treg cells and MDSC s is indicative for the importance and flexibility of immune suppression under pathological conditions. It also suggests the existence of common pathways that can be used for clinical interventions aiming to manipulate the TME . Elimination or reprogramming of the immune suppressive TME is one of the major current challenges in immunotherapy of cancer. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that natural killer T ( NKT ) cells can acquire the ability to convert immunosuppressive MDSC s into immunity‐promoting antigen‐presenting cells. Here we will review the cross‐talk between MDSC s and other immune cells, focusing on Treg cells and NKT cells. We will consider its impact on basic and applied cancer research and discuss how targeting MDSC s may pave the way for future immunocombination therapies.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam NL
• Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences NL
• Radboud University Medical Center NL
• Radboud University Nijmegen NL

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