Gene code CD274/PD-L1: from molecular basis toward cancer immunotherapy. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fabrizio, Federico Pio; Trombetta, Domenico; Rossi, Antonio; Sparaneo, Angelo; Castellana, Stefano; Muscarella, Lucia Anna
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic advances in medical oncology. Volume 10(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: CD274/PD-L1 -- genomic aberrations -- polymorphisms -- epigenetic modulation; Oncology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.994005
• DOI: 10.1177/1758835918815598
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-8340

Abstract

The programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are key molecules of immune checkpoint mechanisms in cancer and actually represent one of the main targets of immunotherapy. The predictive and prognostic values of PD-L1 expression alone in cancer patients is currently under debate due to the methodological assessment of PD-L1 expression and its temporal variations. Better detailed studies about the molecular basis of immunotherapy biomarkers are necessary. Here we summarize the current knowledge of PD-L1 gene modifications at genetic and epigenetic levels in different tumors, thus highlighting their reported correlation with cellular processes and potential impact on patient outcomes.