Work

Weakened macrophage antibacterial capacity in myelodysplastic syndrome

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are immunocompromised and are therefore susceptible to fatal infection. While neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction account for much of this immunodeficiency, other immune cells likely also contribute. In contrast to the extensive study of neutrophils in MDS, there has been very little investigation of macrophage host defense function in MDS. In the current study, we find that macrophage differentiation and macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria are greatly weakened in patients with MDS, regardless of patient genotype. Moreover, we find that killing of those bacteria that are ingested is diminished in MDS patients with high-risk disease. Using a mouse model that expresses the MDS-associated U2AF1-S34F mutation, we find that this mutation is sufficient to induce macrophage functional defects. We conclude that macrophage host defense defects likely contribute to the immunodeficiency present in MDS.

Source: ImmunoHorizons

DOI: 10.1093/immhor/vlag037

Authors: Johnathon B Schafer, Kenneth C Malcolm, Jessica Dell-Martin, Maria L Amaya, Daniel A Pollyea, Scott Alper

Institutions: National Jewish Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, University of Colorado Denver

Language: English

Topic: Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,700