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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Mining Spatial Transcriptomics Datasets using DeepSpaceDB
Published on: September 5, 2025
Spatial transcriptome profiling links SERPINA3 to nerve-associated immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer
Bihan Liu1, Yuankang Yang1, Yuxi Zhang1
1Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, 100050, China; State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
Sensory neurons promote pancreatic cancer immune evasion by inducing SERPINA3 expression in tumor cells. This hinders CD8+ T cell activity, leading to poor prognosis and suggesting SERPINA3 as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer where perineural invasion (PNI) indicates poor prognosis.
- Mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk in PDAC remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of sensory neurons in PDAC immune evasion.
- To identify molecular mechanisms driving neuro-immune crosstalk in PDAC.
Main Methods:
- Integrated spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and in vivo/in vitro models.
- Utilized DRG neuron co-cultures, cytotoxicity assays, and TCGA data analysis.
Main Results:
- Elevated SERPINA3 expression and immunosuppression were found at the tumor-nerve interface.
- Sensory denervation reduced tumor growth and enhanced CD8+ T cell activity.
- DRG neurons induced SERPINA3 in tumor cells, promoting resistance to CD8+ T cell-mediated apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Sensory neuron-induced SERPINA3 contributes to immune evasion in PDAC.
- SERPINA3 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.
