Previously described immune checkpoint regulators, programmed cell death (PD-1) and its main ligand (PD-L1) are known to regulate T-cell function and control proliferation of tumor cells. A connection between P53 and those checkpoint has been reported in cancer cells. This work aimed at studying the expression for PD-1/PD-L1 and P53 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlate them with clinicopathological parameters.

Materials and methods 

Immunohistochemical expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and P53 was evaluated in 33 cases of HCC and eight cases of non-neoplastic liver samples (hepatitis) were used as control.

Results 

PD-1/PD-L1 and P53 showed higher expression in HCC cases compared to non-neoplastic liver tissue (P