The <i>AURORA</i> of a New Way to Value Myeloid Immunosuppression in Cancer.

Abstract

Inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) might be the ultimate barrier to break down tumor defenses and recover the preexisting T-cell immunity required to respond to immunotherapy. However, selectively intercepting MDSCs to prove their etiologic role in cancer progression is not an easy task. In this issue of <i>Cancer Research</i>, Yin and colleagues demonstrate unequivocally that the Aurora A kinase inhibitor, alisertib, specifically neutralizes MDSCs and triggers the rapid accrual of cytotoxic T cells, with consequent tumor clearance potentiated by PD-L1 blockade. Translating this approach into the clinic might rescue tumor immunity in immune-desert landscapes.<i>See related article by Yin et al., p. 3431</i>.