PD-L1/PD-1 axis as a potent therapeutic target in breast cancer

Publication date: Available online 16 February 2020Source: Life SciencesAuthor(s): Shima Bastaki, Mahzad Irandoust, Armin Ahmadi, Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi, Patrick Ambrose, Shahin Hallaj, Mahdi Edalati Fathabad, Ghasem Ghalamfarsa, Gholamreza Azizi, Mehdi Yousefi, Hengameh Chalajour, Farhad Jadidi-NiaraghAbstractAlthough both the incidence and the mortality rate of breast cancer is rising, there is no potent and practical option for the treatment of these patients, particularly in advanced stages. One of the most critical challenges for treatment is the presence of complicated and extensive tumor escape mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint molecules are of the main immunosuppressive mechanisms used by cancerous cells to block anti-cancer immune responses. Among these molecules, PD-1 (Programmed cell death) and PD-L1 (programmed cell death-ligand 1) have been considered as worthy therapeutic targets for breast cancer therapy. In this review, we intend to discuss the immunobiology and signaling of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and highlight its importance as a worthy therapeutic target in breast cancer. We believe that the prognostic value of PD-L1 depends on the breast cancer subtype. Moreover, the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 targeting with immune-stimulating vaccines can be considered as an effective therapeutic strategy in breast cancer.

Source: Life Sciences - February 16, 2020 Category: Biology Source Type: research