Effect of mtDNA on MDSCs

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of cellular senescence. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) functions as a damage-associated molecular pattern that activates the innate immune system when released extracellularly. We examined whether senescent cells release mtDNA into the extracellular space and the consequences of this exogenous mtDNA in innate immunity. Both primary senescent cells and tumor cells undergoing therapy-induced senescence release mtDNA into the extracellular space. In vivo cross-species xenograft models using human prostate cancer cells in immunocompromised mice demonstrated the selective uptake of human mtDNA by mouse polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In vitro trans-well experiments confirmed the uptake of mtDNA by mouse PMN-MDSCs through extracellular vesicles (EVs). Internalized mtDNA enhanced the immunosuppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs via cGAS-STING-NF-_B activation, promoting tumor progression. Mechanistically, mtDNA released from senescent cells was mediated by voltage-dependent anion channels (VDAC), and pharmacological inhibition of VDAC reduced extracellular mtDNA levels, reversing PMN-MDSC-driven immunosuppression and improving the efficacy of chemotherapy in prostate cancer models. Thus, inhibiting mtDNA release may enable reprogramming of the immune suppressive microenvironment in patients treated with chemotherapy.