Programmed cell death protein 1
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PDCD1), also known as PD-1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PDCD1 gene. PD-1 is a cell surface receptor that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed on T cells and pro-B cells.
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Programmed cell death protein 1 is /prəˈɡræmd sɛl dɛθ prəˈtiːn wʌn/.
Etymology
The term "Programmed cell death protein 1" is derived from its function. "Programmed cell death" refers to the biological process of apoptosis, a form of cell death that is generally triggered by normal, healthy processes in the body. The "1" signifies that it was the first of its kind to be discovered.
Function
PD-1 is an immune checkpoint and guards against autoimmunity through a dual mechanism of promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in antigen specific T-cells in lymph nodes while simultaneously reducing apoptosis in regulatory T cells (suppressor T cells).
Clinical significance
PD-1 is a major target of many cancer immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab. Blocking the PD-1 protein can help the immune system attack cancer cells more effectively.
Related terms
- Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
- Cancer immunotherapy: The artificial stimulation of the immune system to treat cancer.
- Pembrolizumab: A humanized antibody used in cancer immunotherapy.
- Nivolumab: A medication used to treat a number of types of cancer.
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