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

A subset of pancreatic cancer cells express the genes SERPINE1 or SERPINB2, which form a molecular mesh around them. This sticky matrix helps to retain immunosuppressive cells and exclude the immune cells that kill cancer cells. Disrupting this process in mice improves immune control of pancreatic tumours and sensitizes them to immunotherapy. Pancreatic cancer cells use the clotting system to locally educate and retain macrophages and form a protective niche for expansion.