a-translational-surgical-porcine-model-for-postoperative-intra

A Translational Surgical Porcine Model for Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesion Formation

A porcine model of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion formation was established using Yucatan mini pigs. The protocol combines midline laparotomy, ...

Stanford University School of Medicine

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to carry a dismal prognosis. The disease is characterized by a uniquely dense fibrotic matrix generated by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We have previously demonstrated that fibroblast-driven chronic inflammation suppresses T cell function through a myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MYD88)-dependent mechanism. While extensively studied in myeloid cells, the role of MYD88 signaling in CAFs and its effects on PDAC remain poorly understood. In this study, we identify a MYD88-driven inflammatory CAF population in PDAC using a combination of bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomic studies. Using an innovative collagen gel implantation model, we demonstrate that loss of MYD88 in CAFs enhances T cell infiltration and suppresses tumor growth. Combining MYD88 inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade significantly reduces tumor size and enhances antitumor immune responses, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic target in PDAC.

Disruption of fibroblast MYD88 signaling promotes antitumor immunity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense stroma, low immunogenicity, and resistance to therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that drive tumor progression. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) promotes fibrosis, pathogenic inflammation, and poor prognosis in PDAC. Using a single-cell multi-omic approach, we investigate the IL-1 signaling axis in human and mouse models of PDAC, identifying nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) transcription factors as key mediators. IL1R1 CAFs activate an inflammatory phenotype associated with elevated NFAT motif activity and gene expression. In vivo, NFAT inhibition in a mouse model of PDAC significantly reduces tumor weight and fibrosis, supporting its pro-tumorigenic role. Our findings suggest that NFAT mediates IL-1-induced inflammation in PDAC, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. This study demonstrates the power of multi-omic analyses to uncover therapeutic targets within the complex TME.

Article	Year
Disruption of fibroblast MYD88 signaling promotes antitumor immunity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell reports\| PubMed ID: 41004339	2025
NFAT mediates pro-tumorigenic inflammation in cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell reports\| PubMed ID: 41533513	2026

Chuner Guo

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