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Glossary Programmed Cell Death Protein 1

regulates immune response by inhibiting T cell activity

Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) is a protein found on the surface of immune cells, such as T cells. It plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system by preventing overactivation, which can lead to autoimmune diseases. PD-1 achieves this by binding to its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which are often expressed on cancer cells, thereby inhibiting the immune response against these cells. This mechanism is a target for cancer immunotherapy, where blocking PD-1 can enhance the body's ability to fight cancer.