Neuroimmune Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive primary malignancy, and recent technological advances in surgery have opened up more possibilities for surgical treatment. Novel data show that diverse immune and neural components play essential roles in the aggressive behavior of PDAC. Recent studies have shown that neural invasion, neural plasticity, and altered innervation of autonomic nerve fibers are involved in pancreatic neuropathy in PDAC patients and have clarified the functional structure of the nerves innervating pancreatic draining lymph nodes. Notably, research on the pathogenesis and therapeutic options for treating PDAC from the viewpoint of interactions of the neuroimmune network is at the cutting edge. In this review, we present a special focus on neuroimmune interactions that highlight the current state of knowledge and future challenges concerning the reciprocal relationship between the immune system and nervous system in PDAC. Understanding the molecular events governing the pancreatic neuroimmune signaling axes will enhance our knowledge of physiology and may provide novel therapeutic targets for treating PDAC.