ANO6-mediated trogocytosis of cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes pancreatic cancer cell growth and immune suppression.

ANO6-dependent trogocytosis by cancer-associated fibroblasts transfers cholesterol-rich membrane lipids to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells, supporting their survival and growth.

• Why it matters: PDAC stroma is largely vessel-poor, leaving unclear how tumor cells access water-insoluble lipids and how fibroblasts contribute to immune suppression.
• What they did: The study shows CAFs form synapse-like contacts with PDAC cells, triggering Orai-mediated cytosolic calcium influx that activates ANO6, drives phosphatidylserine exposure, and initiates lipid trogocytosis.
• The result: Blocking ANO6 antagonizes tumor growth, partly by disrupting cholesterol delivery, and attenuates CAF-mediated cytotoxic T-cell immunosuppression via reduced trogocytosis.

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