MicroRNA networks regulate the differentiation, expansion and suppression function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor microenvironment

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), one heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells, have suppressive function on immune response during tumor, inflammation, infection and autoimmune diseases. The molecular mechanism underlying expansion and function of MDSCs is becoming appreciated to manipulate immune response in the diseases. MicroRNA (miRNAs) as one short noncoding RNAs, are involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and maturation. However, it needs to be further studied how miRNAs mediate the development and function of MDSC in association with cancer and other diseases. In the review, we report and discuss recent studies that miRNAs networks regulate the differentiation, expansion and suppression function of MDSCs in tumor microenvironment or other diseases through different signaling pathways. Those studies may provide one novel potential approach for tumor immunotherapy.