PD-L1-expressing autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

**PD-L1-expressing autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells** are autologous HSPCs that have been genetically engineered or pharmacologically manipulated to overexpress the immune checkpoint ligand **PD-L1 (CD274)**. The therapy aims to restore or enhance the immunoregulatory properties of HSPCs, specifically their ability to suppress autoimmune T cell activity through PD-L1/PD-1 interactions, thereby inducing immune tolerance. This approach is being investigated primarily as a cellular immunotherapy for **type 1 diabetes** (T1D), where defective PD-L1 expression in HSPCs contributes to disease pathogenesis. Mechanistically, these cells inhibit autoreactive T cell function and promote their apoptosis, and may home to inflammatory sites (e.g., pancreas). Both genetic engineering (e.g., lentiviral vectors to upregulate PD-L1) and pharmacological approaches (e.g., IFN-β, IFN-γ, poly(I:C) treatments) have been described. The broad modality is "Cell therapy", more specifically, "Genetically modified stem cell therapy" and "Immunotherapy". The therapy is still experimental and has shown effect in animal models and in vitro assays[1].

Other names

PD-L1^+ autologous HSPCsPD-L1-engineered autologous HSPCsPD-L-1-engineered autologous HSPCsPD-L 1-engineered autologous HSPCspharmacologically modulated PD-L1^+ autologous HSPCs