Pdcd-1 (Programmed Cell Death-1 protein), also designated CD279, is a type I transmembrane receptor and a member of the immunoglobin gene superfamily. Pdcd-1 contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) within the cytoplasmic domain, which is conserved between the mouse and human homologs. Expression of Pdcd-1 is detected in mouse thymus, and it is induced in stimulated B and T cell lines, where it may play a role in the negative regulation of various immune responses. Receptors such as Pdcd-1 function by recruiting tyrosine phosphatases, including SHP-1 and SHIP, which are responsible for altering various B cell responses. Additionally, in activated lymphocytes, Pdcd-1 mediates the activation of the classical type of programmed cell death.
