124P Effective silencing of PD-1 gene in human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes by self-deliverable siRNA

Abstract

Like all monoclonal antibodies, inhibitors of immune checkpoints (ICIs) can only interact with cell surface receptors, but not with intracellular proteins, which can be a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. ICIs can only block the receptor (e.g., PD-1), but not decrease its level. In contrast, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) trigger mRNA degradation resulting in protein synthesis inhibition. It is possible to regulate the levels of both intracellular and extracellular target proteins using siRNAs.