Immune Surveillance by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Liver Diseases

Background: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immunosuppressive in nature, originate in the bone marrow, and are mainly found in the blood, spleen, and liver. In fact, liver acts as an important organ for induction and accumulation of MDSCs, especially during infection, inflammation, and cancer. In humans and rodents, models of liver diseases revealed that MDSCs promote regeneration and drive the inflammatory processes, leading to hepatitis, fibrogenesis, and cirrhosis, ultimately resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Summary: This brief review is focused on the in-depth understanding of the key molecules involved in the expansion and regulation of MDSCs and their underlying immunosuppressive mechanisms in liver diseases.

Key message: Modulated MDSCs can be used for therapeutic purposes in inflammation, cancer, and sepsis.