PD-1

PD-1 or Programmed cell death protein 1 is a type of protein that is encoded in humans 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.

Function[edit | edit source]

PD-1 plays a crucial role in down regulating the immune system by preventing the activation of T-cells, which in turn reduces autoimmunity and promotes self-tolerance. The inhibitory effect of PD-1 is accomplished 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[edit | edit source]

Abnormal PD-1 expression is associated with a number of diseases such as autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and cancer. In cancer, PD-1 activity inhibits the immune system from killing cancer cells, allowing them to proliferate. This has led to the development of PD-1 inhibitors, a new form of immunotherapy that blocks the activity of PD-1, allowing the immune system to kill cancer cells.

PD-1 inhibitors[edit | edit source]

PD-1 inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that blocks the activity of PD-1, allowing the immune system to attack cancer. They have been used to treat a variety of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancers, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Examples of PD-1 inhibitors include nivolumab and pembrolizumab.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

PD-1 at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

PD-1 Resources
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