Role of PD-L1 in Tumor Cell Survival

PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint molecule expressed on the surface of various normal cells, including immune cells1

Role of PD-L1 in healthy cells
Role of PD-L1 in healthy cells

PD-L1 is an immune checkpoint molecule expressed on the surface of various normal cells, including immune cells1

PD-1 binding to PD-L1 inhibits T-cell activity and protects normal tissue from autoimmunity.

In patients with NSCLC and other cancers,
The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway mediates tumor escape1

In patients with NSCLC and other cancers,
the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway mediates tumor escape1

Upregulation of PD-L1 can allow for tumor growth in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Upregulation of PD-L1 can allow for tumor growth in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Some tumor cells upregulate PD-L1 expression, which suppresses immune surveillance and allows for tumor growth.

Inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can slow tumor growth in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can slow tumor growth in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may allow for reactivation of T cells and lead to an antitumor response.

NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer; PD-1, programmed cell death protein 1; PD-L1, programmed death-ligand 1.

Reference: 1. Chen DS et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2012;18(24):6580-6587.