Programmed cell death protein 1 (PDCD1) is an immune-inhibitory receptor expressed in activated T cells; it is involved in the regulation of T-cell functions, including those of effector CD8+ T cells. In addition, this protein can also promote the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into T regulatory cells. PDCD1 is expressed in many types of tumors including melanomas, and has demonstrated to play a role in anti-tumor immunity. Moreover, this protein has been shown to be involved in safeguarding against autoimmunity, however, it can also contribute to the inhibition of effective anti-tumor and anti-microbial immunity. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2020]
Forensic Context
A study in mice demonstrated that the PDCD1 increased in lung tissue in both low and high LPS-induced sepsis groups, validating its role as part of a core seven-gene blood signature for differentiating sepsis-induced acute lung injury from sepsis [Sun et al. DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136961].