Methods for enhancing the suppressive function of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases using small compounds are disclosed. In certain aspects, the small compounds are glatiramer acetate and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors. In other aspects, these methods include the administration of exogenous MDSCs or the use of endogenous MDSCs mobilized using stem cell mobilizers. In yet other aspects, compositions containing MDSCs and small compounds of the invention are provided.