Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered how a hormone interacts with a receptor on the surface of immune cells to shield cancer cells from the⁤ body's natural defenses. The findings, published in Nature Immunology,⁢ could⁣ lead to new immunotherapy approaches for ⁣treating cancer as well as potential treatments for inflammatory disorders and neurologic diseases.

The research centers on myeloid cells, a type of ⁤immune cell often found at tumor sites. These cells initially attempt to fight cancer but quickly transition ⁤to supporting tumor growth. The study suggests⁣ that a⁢ hormone stimulates receptors on these myeloid cells,ultimately suppressing the immune system. Specifically, the ⁢inhibitory receptor LILRB4 plays a crucial⁤ role in this process.