The Roles of microRNAs in Regulating the Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint

Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Nov 27;18(12):2540. doi: 10.3390/ijms18122540.

Abstract

Engagement of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) on T cells has been speculated to play a major role in suppressing the immune system, which helps tumor cells evade anti-tumor immunity. With the development of whole genome sequencing technologies, microRNAs have gained more attention as an important new layer of molecular regulation. Recent studies have revealed that altered expression of microRNAs play a pivotal role in immune checkpoint and various cellular processes in cancer. In this review, we focused on the latest progress about microRNAs research which involves the regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint.

Keywords: immune checkpoint; microRNAs; programmed death 1(PD-1); programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B7-H1 Antigen / genetics*
  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / genetics*
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • MicroRNAs
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor