Issues

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TGFβ signaling is critical for the evasion of immune surveillance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this issue, Principe and colleagues explored the efficacy of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint inhibition in murine PDAC. Tumor bearing mice were treated with the TGFBR1 inhibitor Galunisertib and/or anti-PD-1. The combination significantly reduced tumor burden, increased T-cell infiltration, and improved survival. In the corresponding image, they stained the pancreas of a dual-treated animal for the duct marker CK19 (green), and cytotoxic surrogate Granzyme B (red). This affirms an improved anti-tumor immune response, and suggests that agents such as Galunisertib may potentiate immune checkpoint inhibition in PDAC.