However, according to research by Hong et al., increased USP18 expression in tumor cells would in turn inhibit carcinogenesis, whereas decreased USP18 promotes tumor growth and lowers immunosurveillance by decreasing the exogenous synthesis of IFN-γ and the survival of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in TME [178]. The gene discussed is USP18; the disease is neoplasm.