GABA-Driven Immunosuppression Sparks Female-Specific GBM Growth

Researchers at the University of Miami found that glioblastoma grows via a female-specific mechanism in which the neurotransmitter GABA reprograms granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to become more immunosuppressive, promoting tumor growth only in females. Blocking GABA receptors in female models dismantled this immune shield and improved survival, with human tumor samples showing higher GABA and GABA receptor levels in female granulocytic MDSCs. The findings suggest sex-specific immunotherapy approaches for brain cancer and potential broader applications to other tumors that recruit MDSCs.