Understanding how PD-L1 and PD-1 interact to improve cancer treatment

Regulation of PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoints by cis-interactions

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11023019

This study is looking at how certain proteins help cancer cells hide from the immune system, with the goal of finding ways to make cancer treatments work better for more people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11023019 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoint pathway, which plays a crucial role in how tumors evade the immune system. By exploring the interactions between PD-L1 on tumor cells and PD-1 on immune cells, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer immunotherapies. The researchers will focus on how these proteins communicate and influence each other's functions, particularly through a newly discovered interaction with the CD28 receptor. This work could lead to strategies that expand the benefits of PD-1 and PD-L1 blockade therapies to more patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are currently treated with PD-1 or PD-L1 blockade therapies.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that are effective for a broader range of patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.