Thus, the ALDH3A1 enzyme, noted for its cytoprotective role in normal tissues, when overexpressed in cancer cells fosters the development of malignancy by activating a nearly seamless series of processes promoting stem cell development, cell differentiation, and immune suppressive cytokine release, which culminate with the enhancement of PD-L1 output and the ensuing evasion from the natural tumor immune constraint mechanism(s). The gene discussed is ALDH3A1; the disease is cancer.