Intensive care medicine
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To investigate the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during sepsis in mice. MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of cells that expand during cancer, inflammation and infection. These cells, by their ability to suppress T lymphocyte proliferation, regulate immune responses during various diseases. Their role during microbial infections is scarcely known. ⋯ These results provide new information on the role of MDSCs, suggesting a protective effect during sepsis. Pharmacologic agents known to promote the expansion of MDSCs should thus be further studied for sepsis treatment.