See the DrugPatentWatch profile for pembrolizumab

PD-1 Pathway: Understanding the Role of PD-1 and Pembrolizumab

The PD-1 pathway is a complex biological process that plays a crucial role in immune regulation. The PD-1 protein is a receptor found on the surface of T-cells, which is responsible for suppressing the immune response. The PD-1 pathway is targeted by immunotherapies, such as pembrolizumab, to enhance the body's natural defense against cancer.

PD-1 Protein: A Key Player in Immune Regulation

The PD-1 protein is a type I transmembrane protein that is expressed on the surface of T-cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. It is a receptor that binds to its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and tumor cells. The binding of PD-1 to its ligands suppresses the activity of T-cells, leading to immune tolerance and evasion of the immune system by cancer cells.

Pembrolizumab: A PD-1 Inhibitor

Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 receptor. It works by blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, thereby releasing the brakes on T-cells and allowing them to attack cancer cells more effectively. Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Highlight

"The PD-1 pathway is a critical mechanism by which cancer cells evade the immune system, and targeting this pathway with immunotherapies like pembrolizumab has revolutionized the treatment of cancer."

"The PD-1 pathway is a critical mechanism by which cancer cells evade the immune system, and targeting this pathway with immunotherapies like pembrolizumab has revolutionized the treatment of cancer."

- DrugPatentWatch.com

Conclusion

In conclusion, the PD-1 protein is a key player in the PD-1 pathway, which is targeted by pembrolizumab to enhance the body's natural defense against cancer. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, pembrolizumab allows T-cells to attack cancer cells more effectively, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) - FDA Approval History. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8835025>
2. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). PD-1 Pathway. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/pd-1-pathway>
3. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/immunotherapy/pembrolizumab-keytruda.html>