Tumor cell-intrinsic PD-1 regulates chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer cells by activating downstream MAPK signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant clinical challenge. Immunotherapy against programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) in CRC has limited success. Intriguingly, CRC cells express PD-1 (ciPD-1) intrinsically, and we report here its function with respect to chemotherapy.

Methods

We evaluated the associations between ciPD-1 expression and disease progression, overall survival, and upregulation of survival pathways in human CRC tumors. Expression levels of ciPD-1 in CRC cells were modulated to evaluate its biological role in vitro.

Results

High expression levels of PD-1 in CRC tumors are associated with inferior outcomes; these tumors are also more aggressive and drug-resistant. Expression levels of ciPD-1 in CRC cells increase during 5-FU or CPT-11 tre

SUBMITTER: Mok HK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12630890 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature