Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (Gallus gallus) (PD-L1)

Chicken Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (chPD-L1) is a critical immune checkpoint protein belonging to the B7 family of costimulatory molecules. It is primarily expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, such as macrophages and B cells, and its expression is significantly upregulated during viral infections and neoplastic transformations in poultry. By binding to its receptor, PD-1, on activated T cells, chPD-L1 delivers inhibitory signals that suppress T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion, a mechanism often exploited by pathogens like Marek's disease virus (MDV) to induce immune exhaustion and facilitate chronic infection. In veterinary research, chPD-L1 is a major target for the development of immunotherapies aimed at reversing T-cell exhaustion. Experimental monoclonal antibodies targeting the chPD-1/chPD-L1 pathway have demonstrated the ability to enhance T-cell responses and reduce viral loads in avian disease models, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for improving poultry health and vaccine efficacy (Min et al., 2015; Sugiura et al., 2018).

Other names

chPD-L1CD274B7 homolog 1B7-H1Cluster of Differentiation 274

Competitive inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway to restore T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production.