Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resists immunotherapy by building an immune-suppressive tumor fortress. This research explores how specific bacteria found in long-term survivors may reshape the tumor microenvironment, enhance immune checkpoint therapy, and help immune cells overcome suppression to attack pancreatic cancer more effectively.

IBD patients have weakened gut microbes, leaving them with chronic inflammation and limited treatment options. This research engineers probiotic yeast with anchors, drug-carrying “backpacks,” and reprogrammed DNA to deliver targeted therapeutics safely and cheaply. Early results show these modified microbes could become effective, low-side-effect treatments for IBD and other gut diseases.