PD-L2
PD-L2
PD-L2, also known as Programmed Death-Ligand 2, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PDCD1LG2 gene. It is one of the two ligands that bind to the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), the other being PD-L1.
Pronunciation: /ˈpiːˈdiːˈɛlˈtuː/
Etymology: The term PD-L2 is an abbreviation of Programmed Death-Ligand 2. The term "programmed death" refers to the process of programmed cell death or apoptosis, while "ligand" refers to a substance that forms a complex with a biomolecule to serve a biological purpose.
Function
PD-L2 plays a crucial role in the immune response. It is expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and can bind to its receptor, PD-1, on T cells, leading to the inhibition of T cell activation and proliferation. This interaction is a key component of immune checkpoint pathways and is a target for cancer immunotherapy.
Clinical significance
PD-L2 has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. In cancer, overexpression of PD-L2 can lead to immune evasion by tumor cells. In autoimmune diseases, dysregulation of the PD-1/PD-L2 pathway can lead to an overactive immune response.
Related terms
- PD-1: The receptor to which PD-L2 binds.
- PD-L1: The other ligand that binds to PD-1.
- Immune checkpoint: A mechanism that prevents an overactive immune response.
- Cancer immunotherapy: A type of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
See also
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