PD-L1

PD-L1 or Programmed Death-Ligand 1 is a type of protein that is found on the surface of some cells in the body. It plays a significant role in suppressing the immune system during particular events such as pregnancy, autoimmune disease, and other disease states such as hepatitis.

Function

PD-L1 binds to its receptor, PD-1, found on activated T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells, to modulate activation or inhibition. High expression of PD-L1 in cancer can protect the cancer cells from cytotoxic T cell activity.

Role in Cancer

In many cancers, the PD-L1 protein is overexpressed. This overexpression can be caused by either genetic changes in the cancer cells or by factors in the cancer's microenvironment. When PD-L1 binds to PD-1, it sends a signal that inhibits the T-cell's function, including its ability to kill cancer cells. This is one way that cancers evade the immune system.

Therapeutic Target

PD-L1 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Drugs that block the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 can boost the immune response against cancer cells. These drugs, known as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have shown promise in the treatment of a variety of cancers.

See Also

• PD-1
• PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors
• Immunotherapy
• Cancer

References

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