Single‐cell RNA sequencing and high‐dimensional flow cytometry reveal distinct peripheral immune landscapes of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Key Points

• The research aims to identify distinct immune cell subsets in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and their diagnostic significance.
• Utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) combined with B cell receptor sequencing (BCR-seq) and flow cytometry.
• Analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
• Developed a nomogram based on flow cytometry data to differentiate between patient groups.
• Identified three novel immune cell subsets in the PBMCs of autoimmune pancreatitis patients.
• Demonstrated the diagnostic and prognostic value of these immune subsets.
• Created a flow cytometry-derived nomogram that effectively distinguishes autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.