The goals of my research projects are to establish (1) an effective therapeutic paradigm by investigating pancreatic cancer immunology and (2) a highly sensitive prevention paradigm by investigating tumor-associated immune-reactive components that harboring in liquid biopsies of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, I will focus on the role of immune cells in the pancreatic cancer immunosuppressive microenvironment and will distinguish early detection markers from non-specific bystanders and identify their diagnostic potentials, so that we may offer treatment options available to patients at the early stages of their disease and increase their prognosis. My professional life, both in basic science and translational research, has been dedicated to advancing our understanding of the tumor microenvironment and developing novel immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer. With my training in medicine/pathology and immunology/cancer biology, I have studied angiogenesis, RNA expression patterns, and TFIID-independent RNA polymerase II transcription in cancer and have found that a survival-related gene marker, TPX2, is associated with both malignant transformation of the respiratory epithelium and progression of squamous cell lung cancer. I am interested in understanding how components of the cancer stroma affect cancer development and am currently studying the role of immune status in pancreatic cancer. My recent findings include: Mast cells promoted inflammatory progression and immune suppression in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and could serve as an indicator for tumor progression. Mast cell-targeted therapy results in a higher treatment response rate in mouse pancreatic cancer than does classic chemotherapy. PD-1 inhibitor and OX40 stimulator eliminate tumors to provide long-term immune memory that prevented recurrence and those tumor-bearing mice survived as long as healthy mice would. These new insights driven by my pioneer thinking and collaboration with my mentors at MD Anderson Cancer Center have now expanded new opportunities for translational research and the development of new strategies for prevention and treatment to combat pancreatic cancer and immune related early detection in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital. As the PI on several foundation- and NSFC-funded grants, I paved the way for the proposed research by acquiring scientific knowledge, initiating and performing research projects, and building management skills and collaborations. In addition, I have obtained several international awards and published over 30 peer-reviewed publications on the role of the tumor microenvironment. Overall, I have a demonstrated record of success and productivity in pancreatic cancer immunology as an established investigator. My broad background and specific expertise, with support from my accomplished and prolific collaborators, indicate that I am the appropriate investigator to lead these projects.