Immune suppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer requires inactivation of the type I interferon pathway

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are pathologically activated neutrophils and monocytes with potent immune suppressive activity. These cells play an important role in accelerating tumor progression and undermining the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. The natural mechanisms limiting MDSC activity are not well understood. Here, we present evidence that type I interferons (IFN1) receptor signaling serves as a universal mechanism that restricts acquisition of suppressive activity by these cells. Downregulation of the IFNAR1 chain of this receptor is found in MDSC from cancer patients and mouse tumor models. The decrease in IFNAR1 depends on the activation of the p38 protein kinase and is required for activation of the immune suppressive phenotype. Whereas deletion of IFNAR1 is not sufficient to convert neutrophils and monocytes to MDSC, genetic stabilization of IFNAR1 in tumor bearing mice undermines suppressive activity of MDSC and has potent antitumor effect. Stabilizing IFNAR1 using inhibitor of p38 combined with the interferon induction therapy elicits a robust anti-tumor effect. Thus, negative regulatory mechanisms of MDSC function can be exploited therapeutically. The role of type I interferon signalling in the control of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) activity remains controversial. Here the authors show that downregulation of type I interferon receptor is observed in MDSC from cancer patients and tumor-bearing mice and is required for the activation of their immune suppressive properties.

Automated summary

Type I interferon receptor signaling serves as a universal mechanism restricting MDSC suppressive activity, with downregulation of IFNAR1 required for activation of immune suppressive properties in MDSC. Modulating IFNAR1 undermines MDSC suppressive activity and has potent anti-tumor effects.