Tumour cells shape their environment to protect them from the immune system

TL;DR - A subset of pancreatic cancer cells builds a sticky molecular matrix that shields tumours from immune attack. Disrupting this process improved immune control and sensitivity to immunotherapy in mice.

• Cancer cells expressing SERPINE1 or SERPINB2 form a protective molecular mesh around themselves.
• The matrix retains immunosuppressive cells while excluding immune cells capable of killing cancer cells.
• Targeting this mechanism could help overcome immune resistance in pancreatic tumours.
• The reported therapeutic evidence is preclinical and based on mouse models.