The potential therapeutic role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in autoimmune arthritis

ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to evaluate the roles of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in autoimmune arthritis.MethodsThe terms “myeloid-derived suppressor cells,” “regulatory T cell,” “Th17 cell” and “autoimmune arthritis” were used for literature search from the PubMed. The publications about the characteristics of MDSC, the immunosuppression of MDSC, the role of MDSC in the regulation of Tregs and Th17 cells, and the potential clinical applications of MDSC against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were identified, retrieved and reviewed.ResultsMDSC are defined as a heterogeneous population of pathologically activated immature and mature myeloid cells consisting of granulocytic and monocytic subsets. Published data showed that the role of MDSC in Tregs and Th17 cells expansion were inconsistent. Given their role in suppressing T-cell responses, MDSC have been tested for their capability of preventing RA.ConclusionsAlthough MDSC hold promise in the treatment of RA, their exact role in the expansion of Tregs and Th17 cells is unclear during RA. The definite effect of MDSC in RA therapy needs to be studied further.