A new study demonstrates the tumorigenic functions of B7x and reveals a link between B7x and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) within the tumor microenvironment. We propose that the binding of B7x to a hitherto unidentified receptor on MDSCs may stimulate their proliferation and/or immunosuppressive functions, hence promoting tumor growth.
Keywords: B7x; immunosuppression; myeloid-derived suppressor cells; receptor; tumor microenvironment.