An update of knowledge on PD-L1 in head and neck cancers: Physiologic, prognostic and therapeutic perspectives

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a transmembrane protein crucial for immune regulation.
• PD-L1 interacts with its receptor, PD-1 on immune cells, inhibiting immune responses and promoting peripheral tolerance.
• Overexpression of PD-L1 is observed in various cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma, often correlating with poor prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of PD-L1, covering its structure, function, and regulation.
• To examine the overexpression of PD-L1 in cancer, with a specific focus on oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the PD-1:PD-L1 axis in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PD-L1 structure, function, and regulation.
• Review of studies investigating PD-L1 overexpression in malignancies, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• Analysis of current research on monoclonal antibody therapies targeting the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway.

Main Results:

• PD-L1 acts as a co-inhibitory factor, suppressing T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.
• PD-L1 overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma can attenuate anti-tumor immune responses.
• Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting PD-1:PD-L1 show promise but require further research for patient selection.

Conclusions:

• PD-L1 plays a significant role in immune evasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
• Targeting the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers.
• Further research is essential to identify predictive biomarkers and optimize patient response to PD-1:PD-L1 blockade therapies.