Extracellular vesicle-associated PD-L1 induces CD4+ T cell dysfunction and contributes to immunosuppression in sepsis

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Extracellular vesicle-associated PD-L1 induces CD4+ T cell dysfunction and contributes to immunosuppression in sepsis
  • Journal: Cell Commun Signal
  • Year: 2026
  • DOI: 10.1186/s12964-026-02724-3
  • PMID/PMCID: 41668092; PMC12990564

Research overview

We evaluated the relationship of EV-associated PD-L1 level to immune function and prognosis in septic patients. EV-associated PD-L1 engaged CD4+ T cells to induce CD4+ T cell dysfunction and may be one of the key mechanisms inducing immunosuppression in sepsis.

Key findings

BACKGROUND: The upregulation of PD-1 on T lymphocytes is one of the key mechanisms driving sepsis-induced immunosuppression.

Nevertheless although it is known that PD-L1 on antigen-presenting cells acts as a ligand for PD-1 on T lymphocytes, it remains to be determined whether extracellular vesicle-associated PD-L1 also serves as its ligand.

METHODS: Plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated via ultracentrifugation.

We evaluated the relationship of EV-associated PD-L1 level to immune function and prognosis in septic patients.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed EV characterization.

Related platforms: Exoomics®

Related services and capabilities: EV Basic Characterization (TEM/NTA/WB)

References

Original publication: Extracellular vesicle-associated PD-L1 induces CD4+ T cell dysfunction and contributes to immunosuppression in sepsis Cell communication and signaling. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12964-026-02724-3. PMID/PMCID: 41668092; PMC12990564.