AWARD : myeloid-derived suppressor cell generation and activation regulated by multiple myeloma cells.

One possible mechanism of immune suppression by myeloma cells is the generation and activation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). The latter is a heterogeneous myeloid population that suppresses T-cell proliferation in pathological conditions. The number of MDSC is increased in the peripheral blood of myeloma patients. Furthermore, in the 5TMM mouse model distinct MDSC subsets were identified in the bone marrow with the ability to suppress T cell proliferation. The aim of this study is to investigate the generation, expansion and activation of MDSC by myeloma cells, and unravel its mechanisms to better understand MM progression and improve therapy.