PD-1/PD-L1

Type:

Definition:
PD-1 (Programmed Death-1) and PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) are proteins involved in the immune system's regulation. PD-1 is a receptor on T-cells, while PD-L1 is its ligand, often expressed on tumor cells. Their interaction suppresses the immune response, allowing cancer cells to evade detection and destruction by the immune system.

Phonetic Pronunciation:
(Pee-Dee-Wun / Pee-Dee-Ell-Wun)

Etymological Origin:
The term "PD-1" and "PD-L1" are abbreviations derived from their scientific names. "Programmed Death" refers to their role in regulating cell death and immune response. These terms were first identified in immunological research in the 1990s.

Significance in Asbestos Context:
PD-1/PD-L1 is significant in the asbestos context because these proteins are often overexpressed in asbestos-related cancers, such as mesothelioma. Immunotherapy drugs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have become a promising treatment option for mesothelioma patients. These therapies aim to restore the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, offering hope for improved outcomes in asbestos-related malignancies.

Synonyms or Related Terms:

Immune checkpoint
Checkpoint inhibitors
Programmed cell death pathway
PD-1 inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
PD-L1 inhibitors (e.g., atezolizumab, durvalumab)

Example Sentence:
"Checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown potential in treating mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure."

Common Misconceptions:

Misconception: PD-1/PD-L1 therapies cure all cancers.
Clarification: While these therapies have shown promise, they are not universally effective and work best in cancers with high PD-L1 expression, such as mesothelioma.
Misconception: PD-1/PD-L1 is only relevant to general cancer research.
Clarification: These proteins are particularly important in asbestos-related cancers, where immune evasion is a key mechanism of tumor progression.