The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor mediates tobacco-induced PD-L1 expression and is associated with response to immunotherapy

Abstract

Lung cancer patients who smoke show a better response to immunotherapy than non-smokers. Here, the authors show that tobacco smoke induces PD-L1 expression on lung epithelial cells via AhR that is associated with benefits of PD-1 inhibitor in patients, shedding new lights on lung carcinogenesis and immunotherapy.