Abstract
Endometriosis (EMS) is a common gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Approximately 10% of women around the world suffer from this disease. Recent studies suggest that endometriosis has potential to transform into endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC). Endometriosis is connected with chronic inflammation and changes in the phenotype, activity, and function of immune cells. The underlying mechanisms include quantitative and functional disturbances of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages (MO/MA), natural killer cells (NK), and T cells. A few reports have shown that immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) may promote the progression of endometriosis. MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells (dendritic cells, granulocytes, and MO/MA precursors), which play an important role in the development of immunological diseases such as chronic inflammation and cancer. The presence of MDSCs in pathological conditions correlates with immunosuppression, angiogenesis, or release of growth factors and cytokines, which promote progression of these diseases. In this paper, we review the impact of MDSCs on different populations of immune cells, focusing on their immunosuppressive role in the immune system, which may be related with the pathogenesis and/or progression of endometriosis and its transformation into ovarian cancer.
Highlights
Endometriosis (EMS) is known as the most common gynecological disease
Taking into account the complex nature of the inflammatory milieu, in this paper, we review the impact of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on different populations of immune cells, focusing on their immunosuppressive role in the immune system
The association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer was described by Sampson et al in 1925 [73], but the questions of how ovarian endometriosis transforms into ovarian cancer and what subtypes of OC can develop in association with endometriosis have been considered for decades from biological, epidemiological, and clinical perspectives
Summary
Endometriosis (EMS) is known as the most common gynecological disease. It affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and is connected with the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. VEGF blocks DC maturation causing decreased antigen presentation to T cells This mechanism of angiogenesis-directed immune tolerance includes accumulation of immunoregulatory cells, e.g., Treg cells and MDSCs, and inhibition of T cell differentiation, proliferation, and functions. MDSCs expressing CXCR2 are considered as promoters of metastasis, T cell exhaustion, and tumor cell expansion in breast cancer [20] They inhibit the efficacy of the immune system cells inducing immunosuppression and/or anergy of NK and T cells. Blocking the CXCR2 receptor in pancreatic cancer leads to an elevated concentration of T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), reduced metastasis, and enhanced response to anti-PD-1 therapy. These cells are not detectable in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects. The most interesting feature is the ability of PMN-MDSCs to convert senescent cancer cells into proliferating cancer cells [13,18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
