# The innate immune system: A double-edged sword

## TL;DR

The body's first line of defense can both fight and help cancer grow, as shown by new research on immune signaling and cancer genes.

## Contribution

Two studies reveal how cancer cells use innate immune signals to grow unchecked.

## Key findings

- Premalignant cells use Toll-NF-κB signaling to support tumor growth.
- This signaling works together with the Ras oncogene to enable uncontrolled cell growth.
- The findings highlight the dual role of the innate immune system in cancer.

## Abstract

Innate immunity serves as a crucial surveillance framework, but can be exploited to facilitate tumor progression. Two new PLOS Biology studies independently show how premalignant cells can exploit Toll-NF-κB signaling, in concert with oncogenic Ras, to enable unchecked growth