Dr. Arlene Sharpe on the Role of the PD-1 Pathway

Arlene Sharpe, MD, PhD, immunology faculty member, Harvard Medical School, discusses the biology of the PD-1 pathway.

The PD-1 pathway, which Sharpe’s lab helped define 15 years ago, inhibits immune responses, and protects against the development of autoimmunity. This prevents the activation and function of potentially pathogenic self reactive cells. The pathway also controls the resolution of inflammation, says Sharpe.

However, the most intriguing role of the PD-1 pathway is its ability to inhibit immune responses and allow tumors to avoid eradication, says Sharpe.