Notably, tumor-induced STAT3 activation in the M-MDSC subpopulation increases CD44 expression in human pancreatic cancer cells and promotes CSC-like properties (171), indicating that STAT3 transcriptional activity in MDSCs functionally interacts and relies on CD44 signaling to promote cancer stemness and immunosuppression. The gene discussed is CD44; the disease is familial pancreatic carcinoma.