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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Development of a 68Gallium-Labeled D-Peptide PET Tracer for Imaging Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression
Published on: February 3, 2023
Exploring the role of programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand 1 in eye diseases
Xiu Wang1, Mianmian Wu1, Yunshan Cao2,3,4
1a Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital , Tianjin Medical University Eye Institute, School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , China.
Abstract:
Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1, as negative co-stimulatory molecules, are indispensable for regulating both physiological and pathological immune responses. The PD-1/PD-L1-mediated signaling pathway has been studied extensively in cancer research and has become a hotspot for biopharmaceuticals and immunotherapy. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies to PD-1 have just been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat certain types of malignancies. Recent research has unveiled a close association between the PD-1/PD-L1 system and eye diseases. This review describes the expression and physiological functions of PD-1 and its ligand in ocular tissues and summarizes the pathogenic, regulatory, and therapeutic roles of PD-1/PD-L1 system in eye diseases, including uveal melanoma, autoimmune uveitis, autoimmune dry eye, sympathetic ophthalmia, Graves' ophthalmopathy, diabetic retinopathy, herpes simplex keratitis, and trachoma, with the intent of highlighting the potential of PD-1/PD-L1 as novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers for these ocular diseases.
Insights
The programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and PD-L1 pathway regulates immune responses and shows potential for treating various eye diseases, including cancer and autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are key regulators of immune responses.
- The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is a significant target in cancer immunotherapy, with approved monoclonal antibody treatments.
- Emerging evidence links the PD-1/PD-L1 system to various ocular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expression and function of PD-1/PD-L1 in ocular tissues.
- To summarize the roles of the PD-1/PD-L1 system in the pathogenesis, regulation, and treatment of eye diseases.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in ophthalmology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PD-1/PD-L1 in ocular tissues and diseases.
- Synthesis of information on the physiological roles and pathological involvement of PD-1/PD-L1.
- Analysis of current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in eye conditions.
Main Results:
- PD-1 and PD-L1 are expressed in ocular tissues and play roles in immune regulation.
- The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is implicated in the development and progression of diverse eye diseases.
- Specific eye conditions reviewed include uveal melanoma, autoimmune uveitis, dry eye, sympathetic ophthalmia, Graves' ophthalmopathy, diabetic retinopathy, herpes simplex keratitis, and trachoma.
Conclusions:
- The PD-1/PD-L1 system is a critical factor in ocular immune responses.
- Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway offers promising therapeutic strategies for numerous eye diseases.
- PD-1/PD-L1 may serve as valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring ocular conditions.
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