Molecular and spatial control of tumor-associated macrophages


In person

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer marked by severe immune suppression and abnormal inflammation that promote tumor growth. Recent research identified IL-1b+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) as a subset that drives inflammatory changes and influences nearby tumor cells. Using spatial gene expression analysis we explored the physical distribution and local interactions of IL-1b+ TAMs and within human PDAC tissue. The findings revealed distinct clustering of immune and non-immune cells into specific multicellular hubs, suggesting potential immune-mediated pathways that could be targeted for therapeutic strategies.