The role of the programmed death receptor-1/programmed death ligand-1: Immunologic checkpoint in human papillomavirus-Associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Context.-There has been increasing interest in understanding the role of programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway in cancer biology and its clinical significance in cancer therapy. Objective.-To discuss the studies of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on the pathogenesis of cancer, characterization of the tumor microenvironment and the effect of such studies in laboratory medicine. Data sources.-Data sources included peer-reviewed literature and reputable online sources. Conclusions.-To date, there are few studies of PD-1 and PD-L1 in human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. There is evidence that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has a role in this type of cancer; however, further studies are needed to better characterize the effect of the human papillomavirus and its use as a marker of therapy response.