Mesenchymal stromal cells in myeloid malignancies: Immunotherapeutic opportunities
Milica Vukotić,
Suncica Kapor,
Felipe Simon,
Vladan Cokic,
Juan F. Santibanez
Affiliations
Milica Vukotić
Molecular Oncology Group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Suncica Kapor
Department of Hematology, Clinical Hospital Center “Dr. Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje,” University of Belgrade, Serbia; Corresponding author.
Felipe Simon
Laboratory of Integrative Physiopathology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile; Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channel-Associated Diseases, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Vladan Cokic
Molecular Oncology Group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
Juan F. Santibanez
Molecular Oncology Group, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile; Corresponding author. Molecular oncology group. Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotica 4, POB 102, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia.
Myeloid malignancies are clonal disorders of the progenitor cells or hematopoietic stem cells, including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic cells affect the proliferation and differentiation of other hematopoietic lineages in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, leading to severe and life-threatening complications. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) residing in the bone marrow exert immunosuppressive functions by suppressing innate and adaptive immune systems, thus creating a supportive and tolerant microenvironment for myeloid malignancy progression. This review summarizes the significant features of MSCs in myeloid malignancies, including their role in regulating cell growth, cell death, and antineoplastic resistance, in addition to their immunosuppressive contributions. Understanding the implications of MSCs in myeloid malignancies could pave the path for potential use in immunotherapy.