The generation and accumulation of tumour-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs), including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), in cancer can dampen anti-tumour immunity and limit the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapies (ICTs). Given that a minority of patients exhibit durable benefits from ICT, understanding the mechanism of cancer-induced myelopoiesis could provide strategies for targeting of tumour-induced immunosuppression. Recently, Xu, Yan et al. identified a role for pituitary secreted α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH) in facilitating tumour-induced myelopoiesis and concomitant immunosuppression in mice.