Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in parasitic infections

Eur J Immunol. 2010 Nov;40(11):2976-85. doi: 10.1002/eji.201040911.

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that share a common property of suppressing immune responses. Several helminth and protozoan parasite species have developed efficient strategies to increase the rate of medullary or extramedullary myelopoiesis and to induce the expansion and accumulation of immature myeloid cells such as MDSC. In this review, we examine current knowledge on the factors mediating enhanced myelopoiesis and MDSC induction and recruitment during parasitic infections and how the MDSC phenotype and mechanism of immune modulation and suppression depends on the factors they encounter within the host. Finally, we place MDSC expansion in the context of the critical balance between parasite elimination and pathogenicity to the host and suggest attractive avenues for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Helminthiasis / immunology*
  • Helminthiasis / parasitology
  • Hematopoiesis, Extramedullary / immunology*
  • Host-Parasite Interactions / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology*
  • Myeloid Cells / parasitology
  • Myelopoiesis / immunology*
  • Protozoan Infections / immunology*
  • Protozoan Infections / parasitology