Programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) – a potential shield against inflammation in reperfused acute myocardial infarction

• Applicant: Dr. Lars Michel
• Subject Area: Cardiology, Angiology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 569508066

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) inhibits T cell activity by binding to its ligand, PD-L1, on peripheral tissues, thereby preventing excessive inflammation. PD-L1 is thought to protect the heart from adverse immune responses in cardiovascular disease. Emerging preclinical evidence suggests a protective role of PD-L1 in reperfused acute myocardial infarction (repAMI). This translational study will investigate PD-L1 in repAMI with a focus on its regulation, downstream targets, transcriptional effects and implications as a cardioprotective target and potential marker. Using in-vitro and in-vivo models, the dynamics of PD-L1 expression and key regulatory mechanisms in repAMI will be examined, with particular emphasis on intracellular trafficking, major regulatory factors and associated effects. The effects of nuclear PD-L1 on the cardiac transcriptome will be assessed. The augmentation of PD-L1 expression via epigenetic therapy will be explored as a cardioprotective approach. In a translational setting, soluble PD-L1 will be analysed as a prospective serum marker in patients with AMI. This study holds significant potential for the development of new cardioprotective strategies and may provide new insights into the function and regulation of cardiac PD-L1, paving the way for future research.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants