Light-activated azobenzene peptide inhibitor of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction.
Deanne HaywardZoë Rachael GoddardMarco M D CominettiMark SearceyAndrew Michael BeekmanPublished in: Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) (2024)
Inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction is a key immunotherapy for cancer. Antibodies dominate the clinical space but are costly, with limited applicability and immune side effects. We developed a photo-controlled azobenzene peptide that selectively inhibits the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction when in the cis isomer only. Activity is demonstrated in in vitro and cellular assays.