Reducing PD-L1 Expression by Degraders and Downregulators as a Novel Strategy to Target the PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway

J Med Chem. 2024 Apr 25;67(8):6027-6043. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02143. Epub 2024 Apr 10.

Abstract

Targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway has evolved into one of the most promising strategies for tumor immunotherapy. Thus far, multiple monoclonal antibody drugs have been approved for treating a variety of tumors, while the development of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has lagged far behind, with only a few small-molecule inhibitors entering clinical trials. In addition to antibody drugs and small-molecule inhibitors, reducing the expression levels of PD-L1 has attracted extensive research interest as another promising strategy to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Herein, we analyze the structures and mechanisms of molecules that reduce PD-L1 expression and classify them as degraders and downregulators according to whether they directly bind to PD-L1. Moreover, we discuss the potential prospects for developing PD-L1-targeting drugs based on these molecules. It is hoped that this perspective will provide profound insights into the discovery of potent antitumor immunity drugs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • B7-H1 Antigen* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • B7-H1 Antigen* / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • CD274 protein, human
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents