title: Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in multiple myeloma: a dream or a reality?
abstract: The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is a negative regulator of immune activation that is upregulated in multiple myeloma and is a critical component of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Expression is increased in advanced disease and in the presence of bone marrow stromal cells. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is associated with tumor regression in several malignancies, but single-agent activity is limited in myeloma patients. Combination therapy involving strategies to expand myeloma-specific T cells and T-cell activation via PD-1/PD-L1 blockade are currently being explored.
authors.affiliation: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Jacalyn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenblatt
authors.affiliation: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Avigan
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D060890:B7-H1 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D060890:B7-H1 Antigen; C105992:PDCD1 protein, human; D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor