Long-Chain Fatty Acids Inhibit Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Delay Tumor Progression

It is broadly realized that the body’s metabolism has a profound impact on tumor progression. However, pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the metabolic modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) can directly modulate the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a central component of establishing the tumor immune microenvironment. In vitro or in vivo exposure to LCFAs significantly reduces the expression levels of signature immunosuppressive genes of both monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) and polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs). As a result, mice fed with a diet of high LCFA content exhibit delayed tumor progression and prolonged survival in different cancer models. Furthermore, this LCFA-mediated inhibition of M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs correlates with enhanced CD8+ T antitumor immunity, which is abolished in tumor-bearing nude mice. These results have revealed a previously under-recognized role of LCFAs in the tumor immune microenvironment, implicating novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.