Objective: To determine the role of infiltrated T cells in the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor microenvironment.
Methods: T-cell-deficient nude mice models were established using BALB/c mice. Growth of tumors was compared between those with and without adoptive transfer of T cells. Pathological changes of the tumors were examined with HE histological analysis. The levels of MDSCs were detected with flow cytometry (FACS).
Results: Tumor growth was promoted in T-cell-deficient nude mice, which was accompanied with lower levels of MDSCs compared with BALB/c mice (P < 0.05). T cell transfer increased the level of MDSCs significantly (P < 0.05). T cells depletion decreased the level of MDSCs (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Infiltrated T cells induce the accumulation of MDSCs in tumor microenvironment, and influence tumor growth.