GARP expression in the local lymphatic microenvironment predicts the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with one of the lowest 5-year survival rates of all tumors. It is often diagnosed only after reaching an advanced stage in which it is often metastasized and inoperable. Henceforth, the exploration of a prognostic biomarker during the development and progression of pancreatic cancer is crucial. In this study, we investigated the role of GARP, a transmembrane protein that promotes the tumor proliferation and therapeutic resistance. In addition, GARP upregulation positively correlates with Tregs and was directly proportional to the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-L1.