Anti-PD-1 treatment as a neurotherapy to enhance neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and memory

Emerging immunotherapy using anti-PD-1 antibodies have improved survival in cancer patients by immune activation. Here we show that functional PD-1 receptor is present in hippocampal CA1 neurons and loss of PD-1 or local anti-PD-1 treatment with nivolumab enhances neuronal excitability and long-term potentiation in CA1 neurons, leading to enhanced learning and memory. Our findings suggest that anti-PD-1 antibody also acts as a neurotherapy for improving memory and counteracting cognitive decline.