Targeting the COX-PGE2-EP2/EP4 axis to overcome immune escape in KRAS-G12D-mutant PDAC (P21*)

• Subject Area: Immunology ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441891347

In P21N, we aim to investigate whether oncogenic signalling in KRAS-G12D PDAC drives COX pathway activity and how this determines cancer immune escape. In Aim 1, we will characterize the cell-intrinsic consequences of KRAS-G12D oncogenic signalling in PDAC and explore how this is linked to PGE2 production and aberrant COX pathway activity. In Aim 2, we plan to determine whether interference with the COX-PGE2-EP2/EP4 axis can restore anti-cancer T-cell immunity in KRAS-G12D PDAC and promote cancer immune control. In Aim 3, we will study the clinical relevance of our findings using patient samples and organoid systems.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1479: Oncogene-driven immune escape (OncoEscape)
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Jan Philipp Böttcher