ILC2s amplify PD-1 blockade by activating tissue-specific cancer immunity.

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) regulate inflammation and immunity in mammalian tissues. Although ILC2s are found in cancers of these tissues, their roles in cancer immunity and immunotherapy are unclear. Here we show that ILC2s infiltrate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) to activate tissue-specific tumour immunity.

Characterization of genetic subclonal evolution in pancreatic cancer mouse models.

The KPC mouse model, driven by the Kras and Trp53 transgenes, is well regarded for faithful recapitulation of human pancreatic cancer biology. However, the extent that this model recapitulates the subclonal evolution of this tumor type is unknown. Here we report evidence of continuing subclonal evolution after tumor initiation that largely reflect copy number alterations that target cellular processes of established significance in human pancreatic cancer.

In situ vaccination with defined factors overcomes T cell exhaustion in distant tumors.

Irreversible T cell exhaustion limits the efficacy of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade. We observed that dual CD40-TLR4 stimulation within a single tumor restored PD-1 sensitivity and that this regimen triggered a systemic tumor-specific CD8+ T cell response. This approach effectively treated established tumors in diverse syngeneic cancer models, and the systemic effect was dependent on the injected tumor, indicating that treated tumors were converted into necessary components of this therapy.

Identification of unique neoantigen qualities in long-term survivors of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer with fewer than 7% of patients surviving past 5 years. T-cell immunity has been linked to the exceptional outcome of the few long-term survivors, yet the relevant antigens remain unknown. Here we use genetic, immunohistochemical and transcriptional immunoprofiling, computational biophysics, and functional assays to identify T-cell antigens in long-term survivors of pancreatic cancer.

A sequential indium-mediated aldehyde allylation/palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction in the synthesis of 2-deoxy-beta-C-aryl glycosides.

Indium-mediated allylation of aldehydes with 2-chloro-3-iodopropene, followed by a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with triarylindium reagents or arylboronic acids, leads to aryl-substituted homoallylic alcohols in good to excellent yields and diastereoselectivities. The products obtained from reactions conducted with d-glyceraldehyde acetonide can be transformed into 2-deoxy-beta-C-aryl ribofuranosides in high overall yields. Similarly, 2-deoxy-beta-C-aryl allopyranosides may be prepared efficiently from 2,4-O-benzylidene erythrose.