Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to identifying genes and cell types that are correlated with tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment. PENK was identified as a therapeutic target that is positively correlated with tumor time and size. Targeting PENK can enhance anti-tumor immunity. Opioid signaling can be modulated to enhance anti-tumor immunity. The present invention is also generally directed to interacting cells in the tumor microenvironment and using the identified interactions to enhance anti-tumor immunity in cancer. Identified interactions can be modulated using therapeutic agents. Immune cells resistant to suppression can be used for adoptive cell transfer.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to identify interacting cells in the tumor microenvironment and using the identified interactions to enhance anti-tumor immunity in cancer. Identified interactions can be modulated using therapeutic agents. Immune cells resistant to suppression can be used for adoptive cell transfer. The present invention is also generally directed to cell types and genes that are correlated to time of tumor growth and tumor size.