PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer
Core of basic research: Clarify the immune escape mechanism by which tumor cells inhibit T cell activity through PD-L1 binding to PD-1 on immune cells, explore the regulation of PD-L1 expression by cytokines such as IFN-γ, as well as the mechanism of action and resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
Core key proteins: PD-1 (inhibitory receptor on T cells), PD-L1 (ligand on tumor cells binding to PD-1), CTLA-4 (auxiliary immune checkpoint), TCR (T cell receptor for signal transduction), CD28 (T cell co-stimulatory molecule), IFN-γ (cytokine inducing PD-L1 expression), STAT1 (factor regulating PD-L1 transcription).