Tumor-directed dysregulation of erythroid progenitors drives immunosuppressive myeloid cells

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Long et al. demonstrate that tumors can reprogram erythroid progenitors into myeloid-erythroid cells that promote immunosuppression. Erythroid-differentiated myeloid cells (EDMCs) expand in cancer-bearing individuals, resemble the functionality of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and correlate with poor response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tumor-related anemia.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates how tumors can manipulate erythroid progenitors to promote immunosuppression. These reprogrammed cells, similar to myeloid-derived suppressor cells, are associated with poor response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-related anemia.