In immunology, Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous group of immune cells from the myeloid lineage. These cells originate from bone marrow stem cells and their numbers increase significantly under certain pathological conditions.
Understanding MDSCs
Here's a more detailed look at MDSCs:
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Origin: They are derived from myeloid cells, which are a family of cells originating in the bone marrow.
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Heterogeneity: MDSCs are not a single, uniform cell type but rather a mixed population with varying characteristics and functions.
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Expansion: Their numbers expand (increase significantly) under pathological conditions.
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Pathological Conditions: These conditions include:
- Chronic infections
- Cancer
- Other conditions involving altered hematopoiesis (blood cell formation).
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Function: MDSCs generally suppress the immune system. This is important to consider in cancer, where MDSCs can hinder the body's ability to fight the tumor.
In essence, MDSCs are a complex group of myeloid cells that expand during illness and act to suppress the immune response. Understanding them is crucial in developing therapies for diseases like cancer.
