MyD88-dependent expansion of an immature GR-1+CD11b+ population induces T cell suppression and Th2 polarization in sepsis

Polymicrobial sepsis alters the adaptive immune response and induces T cell suppression and Th2 immune polarization. We identify a GR-1(+)CD11b(+) population whose numbers dramatically increase and remain elevated in the spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow during polymicrobial sepsis. Phenotypically, these cells are heterogeneous, immature, predominantly myeloid progenitors that express interleukin 10 and several other cytokines and chemokines. Splenic GR-1(+) cells effectively suppress antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell interferon (IFN) gamma production but only modestly suppress antigen-specific and nonspecific CD4(+) T cell proliferation. GR-1(+) cell depletion in vivo prevents both the sepsis-induced…