Title:Nanoparticle Systems Modulating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy
VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 16
Author(s):Avia Wilkerson, Julian Kim, Alex Y. Huang and Mei Zhang*
Affiliation:School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA; 5Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
Keywords:Nanomedicine, Glucan-Based Nanoparticle, Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), Tumor-induced Immune
Suppression, Cancer Therapy, Immunotherapy.
Abstract:Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature
myeloid cells that are preferentially expanded in cancer. They arise from myeloid progenitor cells that
do not differentiate into mature dendritic cells (DCs), granulocytes, or macrophages, and are rather
thought to play a pivotal role in immune escape and cancer progression. MDSCs are characterized by
the ability to suppress T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity, inhibit natural killer T (NKT) cell activation,
and induce the differentiation and expansion of regulatory T cells (Treg). MDSC levels have been
shown to correlate negatively with prognosis and overall survival of patients with cancers of various
types and stages. The role of MDSCs in cancer progression represents a promising target for effective
cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of MDSC functions, their influence
on tumor progression and metastasis, and finally focus on up to date nanoparticle approaches
that target and antagonize MDSCs in tumor-bearing hosts. The development of multifunctional
nanoparticle systems for effective imaging, assessment and manipulation of MDSCs will represent
strategic theranostic innovations that may improve cancer staging, therapeutic outcomes, and overall
patient survival.
