PD-1 and PD-L1: architects of immune symphony and immunotherapy breakthroughs in cancer treatment

Adil Parvez; Furqan Choudhary; Priyal Mudgal; Rahila Khan; Kamal A Qureshi; Humaira Farooqi; Ashok Aspatwar

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296341

PD-1 and PD-L1: architects of immune symphony and immunotherapy breakthroughs in cancer treatment

Front Immunol. 2023 Dec 1:14:1296341. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296341. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Adil Parvez¹, Furqan Choudhary¹, Priyal Mudgal¹, Rahila Khan¹, Kamal A Qureshi², Humaira Farooqi¹, Ashok Aspatwar³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia, Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
² Department of Pharmaceutics, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
³ Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.

Abstract

PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein-1) and PD-L1 (Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1) play a crucial role in regulating the immune system and preventing autoimmunity. Cancer cells can manipulate this system, allowing them to escape immune detection and promote tumor growth. Therapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have transformed cancer treatment and have demonstrated significant effectiveness against various cancer types. This study delves into the structure and signaling dynamics of PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1/PD-L2, the diverse PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and their efficacy, and the resistance observed in some patients. Furthermore, this study explored the challenges associated with the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor treatment approach. Recent advancements in the combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical procedures to enhance patient outcomes have also been highlighted. Overall, this study offers an in-depth overview of the significance of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy and its future implications in oncology.

Keywords: PD-1; PD-L1; cancer immunotherapy; combination therapy; immune checkpoint inhibitors; monoclonal antibody.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal* / therapeutic use
B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
Humans
Immunotherapy / methods
Neoplasms*
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism

Substances

Antibodies, Monoclonal
B7-H1 Antigen
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. AA acknowledges the Finnish Cultural Foundation and the Tampere Tuberculosis Foundation, both associated with Tampere University, Finland, for providing financial support for this study.