The Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Animal Model

Aging Dis. 2024 May 7;15(3):1329-1343. doi: 10.14336/AD.2023.0323-1.

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a heterogeneous cell population that consists of mostly immature myeloid cells, are immunoregulatory cells mainly characterized by their suppressive functions. Emerging findings have revealed the involvement of MDSCs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). MS is an autoimmune and degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination, axon loss, and inflammation. Studies have reported accumulation of MDSCs in inflamed tissues and lymphoid organs of MS patients and EAE mice, and these cells display dual functions in EAE. However, the contribution of MDSCs to MS/EAE pathogenesis remains unclear. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of MDSC subsets and their possible roles in MS/EAE pathogenesis. We also discuss the potential utility and associated obstacles in employing MDSCs as biomarkers and cell-based therapies for MS.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental* / immunology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental* / pathology
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / therapy
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells* / immunology
  • Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells* / pathology

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the new research initiatives at the City University of Hong Kong (Project number: 9610541 to GY) and CityU Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Grant (Project number: 7020066 to GY).