Maria Teresa Bilotta

Dr. Maria Teresa Bilotta


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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3 July 2026 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ASAndrea Sabatini
Andrea Sabatini
MAMaria Rita Assenza
Maria Rita Assenza
MBMaria Teresa Bilotta
Maria Teresa Bilotta
PVPaola Vacca
Paola Vacca
NTNicola Tumino
Nicola Tumino
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells that accumulate in cancer and represent one of the major drivers of tumor-associated immunosuppression. MDSCs actively contribute to tumor progression by inhibiting both innate and adaptive immune responses, promoting angiogenesis, metastatic dissemination, and resistance to immunotherapy. Two major subsets have been identified, polymorphonuclear (PMN-) and monocytic (Mo-) MDSCs, each characterized by distinct phenotypic, metabolic, and suppressive properties. Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), MDSCs establish a complex network of interactions with T-, B-, NK-cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, thereby orchestrating immune escape and tumor persistence. Recent evidence highlights the pivotal role of metabolic rewiring in regulating MDSC survival and suppressive activity. Enhanced aerobic glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid depletion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and adenosine metabolism collectively sustain MDSC-mediated immune dysfunction and shape the immunosuppressive TME. In particular, the crosstalk between PMN-MDSCs and NK cells has emerged as a critical mechanism of tumor immune evasion, leading to impaired NK cell cytotoxicity, altered activating receptor expression, and defective cytokine production. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of MDSCs, their metabolic adaptations, and their interactions with immune effector populations in cancer. Furthermore, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting MDSC recruitment, differentiation, metabolic pathways, and suppressive functions. Understanding the molecular and metabolic mechanisms governing MDSC biology may provide novel opportunities to overcome tumor-induced immunosuppression and improve the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies.