Myeloid cell population dynamics in healthy and tumor-bearing mice

Tumor growth is often associated with the aberrant systemic accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are a heterogenous population of cells composed of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and early myeloid precursors. These MDSCs are thought to suppress anti-tumor T cell responses in both tumor tissues and secondary lymphoid tissues. Accumulation of MDSCs in these target tissues is a dynamic process associated with medullary and extramedullary myelopoiesis and subsequent cellular migration. Here, we review the current understanding of the cellular, molecular, hematological and anatomical principles of MDSC development and migration in tumor-bearing mice. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of chemokines that influence the balance between MDSC subpopulations.