MDSC suppresses T cell antitumor immunity in CAC via GPNMB in a MyD88‐dependent manner

Abstract Background Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) played an essential role in tumor microenvironment to suppress host antitumor immunity and help cancer cells escape immune surveillance. However, the molecular mechanism behind tumor evasion mediated by MDSCs is not fully understood. Glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is considered to associate with tumor initiation, metastasis and angiogenesis. Blocking GPNMB function is a potentially valuable therapy for cancer by eliminating GPNMB + MDSCs. Our previous study has proved that blockage the MyD88 signaling with the MyD88 inhibitor, TJ‐M2010‐5, may completely prevent the development of CAC in mice, accompanying with downregulation of GPNMB mRNA in the inhibitor‐treated mice of CAC. Methods We here focus on the underlying the relationship between GPNMB function and MyD88 signaling pathway activation in MDSCs' antitumor activity in CAC. Results CAC development in the mouse model is associated with expanded GPNMB + MDSCs by a MyD88‐dependent pathway. The GPNMB expression on MDSCs is associated with MyD88 signaling activation. The inhibitory effect of MDSCs on T cell proliferation, activation and antitumor cytotoxicity in CAC is mediated by GPNMB in a MyD8‐dependent manner. Conclusion MyD88 signaling pathway plays an essential role in GPNMB + MDSC‐mediated tumor immune escape during CAC development and is a promising focus for revealing the mechanisms of MDSC that facilitate immunosuppression and tumor progression.