PD-1

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a protein expressed on T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, activated monocytes, and dendritic cells that helps regulate the body’s immune response.^1,2 PD-1 is not expressed on naive T cells, and its expression is induced when T cells are activated.² Known as a “checkpoint protein,” PD-1 binds to its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. PD-1 is expressed on a number of cells, including normal and malignant cells, to deactivate the T cell, reduce cytokine production, and reduce proliferation of T cells.^1,3 This balance is critical to prevent T cells from attacking normal cells in the body.³

Cancer cells exploit this pathway by overexpressing PD-L1 to evade the body’s immune response. PD-L1 is highly expressed on multiple types of cancer cells, including both solid and hematologic malignancies.¹ Both PD-1 and PD-L1 are established targets for anticancer therapy.³

Learn more about modalities targeting PD-1:
monoclonal antibodies and bifunctional fusion proteins.

Search our clinical trials.

Visit our resources section for additional information on potential oncogenic targets.