German researchers have discovered that the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is increased in the blood of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The higher the number of MDSC, the more limited the lung function, according to the research published in the European Respiratory Journal.
Researchers believe the myeloid-derived suppressor cells may serve as biomarkers for IPF.
“The role of MDSC has been most extensively studied in cancer, where they suppress the immune system and contribute to a poor prognosis,” explained first author Isis Fernandez, MD. The current study suggests that similar mechanisms are also at work in IPF.
Immune Cells as Biomarkers for IPF
