TuHURA Biosciences to present research on DOR role in immune suppression at ASH meeting

TuHURA Biosciences is scheduled to present three research posters at the 68th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, held from December 12–15, 2026. The presentations focus on the delta opioid receptor (DOR) and its function in regulating immune-suppressing cells within the tumor microenvironment.

According to CEO James Bianco, the research identifies DOR as a key factor in the proliferation and recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T-regulatory cells, and M2 macrophages. These cells are known to contribute to resistance in patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy by suppressing immune responses that would otherwise target the cancer.

The upcoming posters detail how inhibiting the DOR can influence gene expression, specifically regarding the reduction of immune-suppressing activity. TuHURA is utilizing these insights to advance its pipeline of bi-functional antibody drug conjugates, which aim to overcome therapeutic resistance by modulating the tumor microenvironment.