MDSCs in Chronic Liver Disease: Updates and Future Challenges.

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of pathologically expanded immature myeloid cells originating from bone marrow precursors, characterized by their potent immunosuppressive activity through mechanisms such as T cell inhibition, cytokine dysregulation, and metabolic interference. These cells are critically implicated in diverse pathological contexts, including cancer progression, chronic infections, and inflammatory disorders. In chronic liver diseases, MDSCs contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple conditions, such as chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and autoimmune liver diseases (AILD). Emerging evidence highlights their dual roles in both exacerbating tissue injury and modulating immune responses, positioning MDSCs as pivotal regulators of disease progression and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the biological roles of MDSCs in a variety of chronic inflammatory liver diseases and explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these diseases to provide new insight for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.