A serpin–myeloid axis in pancreatic cancer heterogeneity and immune evasion

TL;DR - A Nature study identifies a serpin–myeloid mechanism that contributes to heterogeneity and immune evasion in pancreatic ductal carcinoma. SERPINE1 and SERPINB2 create localized, fibrin-rich niches that promote immunosuppressive macrophages and T-cell exclusion.

• The mechanism links serpin activity to spatially organized immune suppression within pancreatic tumors.
• Fibrin-rich niches locally program macrophages toward an immunosuppressive state.
• These niches exclude T cells, potentially helping tumors evade antitumor immunity.
• The findings highlight the serpin–myeloid axis as a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.