Proteasome-dependent senescent tumor cells mediate immunosuppression through CCL20 secretion and M2 polarization in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poor due to few therapeutic options available and challenges with precision therapy to target each tumour’s specific characteristics. In this study, a biologically meaningful patient stratification-prognostic model with therapeutic suggestion value based on tumor senescence was developed and validated in multiple independent cohorts. Further mechanistic investigation based on single-cell transcriptomic data and in vitro experiments revealed that complement derived from non-senescent tumor cells stimulates M1 differentiation and antigen presentation, while senescent tumor cells secrete CCL20 to favor immunosuppressive M2 polarization. Also, senescent phenotype depends on proteasome function, suggesting that high-risk, high-senescence patients may benefit from proteasome inhibitors, which reverse senescence-mediated resistance to conventional chemotherapy and improve outcome. In conclusion, the current study identified senescence as a tumor-specific, hazardous factor associated with immunosuppression in PDAC. Mechanistically, senescence abrogates complement-induced M1 activation and antigen presentation, and upregulates CCL20 to favor M2 polarization. The senescence-related risk model is prognostic and therapeutic-suggestive. In light of the reliance of senescent cells on proteasomal functions, proteasome inhibitors are promising agents for high-risk patients with senescent PDAC.