Single-cell transcriptomics unveil a unique molecular profile of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-induced myeloid-derived immune suppressor cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells play an essential role in orchestrating the immune system by promoting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the bone marrow (BM) during inflammatory conditions. MDSCs are composed of immature myeloid cells with diverse phenotypes and functions. Both MSCs and MDSCs have immunoregulatory properties, which can create a favorable environment for cancer cell growth by controlling the innate and adaptive immune systems. 1 Kapor S. Santibanez J.F. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Myeloid Malignancies. J. Clin. Med. 2021; 102788 Crossref Scopus (15) Google Scholar Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is an unbiased method for exploring cellular diversity and immune cell populations involved in tissue regeneration. This technique permits the analysis of individual cells without needing prior knowledge of cell-specific markers, providing new insights into cellular behavior. 2 Yang K.Y. Ku M. Lui K.O. Single-cell transcriptomics uncover distinct innate and adaptive cell subsets during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. J. Leukoc. Biol. 2020; 108: 1593-1602 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar A recent study published in Molecular Therapy used scRNA-seq to analyze MSC-induced myeloid cells. The study also identified the specific molecular signature unique to MSC-induced MDSCs, identifying seven different types of immune cells, including MDSCs, monocytes/macrophages, and a small number of neutrophils. Additionally, the authors discovered a crucial cell surface marker and confirmed its effectiveness in identifying and enhancing MSC-induced MDSCs to treat autoimmune ocular diseases. 3 Lee H.J. Choi Y.R. Ko J.H. Ryu J.S. Oh J.Y. Defining mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells using single-cell transcriptomics. Mol. Ther. 2024; 32https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.026 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (0) Google Scholar This study lays the groundwork for uncovering mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies to promote immunoregenerative therapy.