Programmed Cell Death-1/Programmed Death-ligand 1 Pathway: A New Target for Sepsis

• Main Authors: Qiang Liu, Chun-Sheng Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer 2017-01-01
• Series: Chinese Medical Journal
• Subjects: Immunosuppression; Programmed Cell Death-1; Programmed Death-ligand 1; Sepsis
• Online Access: http://www.cmj.org/article.asp?issn=0366-6999;year=2017;volume=130;issue=8;spage=986;epage=992;aulast=Liu

Objective: Sepsis remains a leading cause of death in many Intensive Care Units worldwide. Immunosuppression has been a primary focus of sepsis research as a key pathophysiological mechanism. Given the important role of the negative costimulatory molecules programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the occurrence of immunosuppression during sepsis, we reviewed literatures related to the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to examine its potential as a new target for sepsis treatment. Data Sources: Studies of the association between PD-1/PD-L1 and sepsis published up to January 31, 2017, were obtained by searching the PubMed database. Study Selection: English language studies, including those based on animal models, clinical research, and reviews, with data related to PD-1/PD-L1 and sepsis, were evaluated. Results: Immunomodulatory therapeutics could reverse the deactivation of immune cells caused by sepsis and restore immune cell activation and function. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway could reduce the exhaustion of T-cells and enhance the proliferation and activation of T-cells. Conclusions: The anti-PD-1/PD-L1 pathway shows promise as a new target for sepsis treatment. This review provides a basis for clinical trials and future studies aimed at revaluating the efficacy and safety of this targeted approach.