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Updated: Oct 7, 2025
Identifying PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology
Published on: May 2, 2025
Emerging Role of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Chronic Liver Diseases
Vishakha Singh1, Amit Khurana2,3,4,5, Prince Allawadhi1
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, India.
Abstract:
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-ligand (L)1, the immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of various diseases including chronic liver diseases (CLDs) such as hepatitis, liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of PD-1/PD-L1 has been widely inspected in the treatment of viral hepatitis and HCC. PD-1 is known to play a crucial role in inhibiting immunological responses and stimulates self-tolerance by regulating the T-cell activity. Further, it promotes apoptosis of antigen-specific T-cells while preventing apoptosis of Treg cells. PD-L1 is a trans-membrane protein which is recognized as a co-inhibitory factor of immunological responses. Both, PD-1 and PD-L1 function together to downregulate the proliferation of PD-1 positive cells, suppress the expression of cytokines and stimulate apoptosis. Owing to the importance of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, this review aims to summarize the potential of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in CLDs along with toxicities associated with them. We have enlisted some of the important roles of PD-1/PD-L1 in CLDs, the clinically approved products and the pipelines of drugs under clinical evaluation.
Insights
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors show promise for treating chronic liver diseases (CLDs). This review explores their potential, approved drugs, and ongoing clinical evaluations for conditions like hepatitis and liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 are key immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- These molecules regulate T-cell activity, promoting self-tolerance and apoptosis of antigen-specific T-cells.
- PD-1/PD-L1 signaling plays a critical role in modulating immune responses within the context of chronic liver diseases (CLDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in treating various chronic liver diseases.
- To summarize the known roles of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in CLDs, including hepatitis, liver injury, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To discuss the toxicities associated with these inhibitors and highlight approved drugs and clinical pipelines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in CLDs.
- Analysis of the immunological functions of PD-1 and PD-L1 in liver disease pathogenesis.
- Compilation of data on clinically approved and investigational PD-1/PD-L1 targeting agents.
Main Results:
- PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is crucial for immune regulation in CLDs, impacting viral hepatitis and HCC.
- Inhibitors targeting this pathway can restore anti-tumor and anti-viral immune responses.
- Understanding the dual role of PD-1/PD-L1 is essential for optimizing therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors represent a significant therapeutic avenue for CLDs.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate their efficacy and manage associated toxicities.
- The review provides a comprehensive overview of current and future applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in liver disease treatment.
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