Pulse.

a daily field guide to health research that matters

◆ Console

‹ Fri · 15 May 2026
Promising but preliminary

Bi-directional regulation between NAD/NAMPT and IFN-gamma/PD-L1 axes via BRD4/IRF1 and mitochondrial respiration in metastatic cutaneous melanoma.

Targeting metabolic and immune pathways together may help melanoma patients who don't respond to standard immunotherapy.

This mechanistic study in metastatic cutaneous melanoma uncovers a bidirectional regulation between NAD metabolism (NAMPT) and the IFN-gamma/PD-L1 immune checkpoint axis through BRD4/IRF1 and mitochondrial respiration. The findings suggest dual targeting of metabolic and immune pathways as a strategy to overcome ICI resistance in advanced melanoma.

What the study was

Study design
Mechanistic/preclinical study
Population
Metastatic cutaneous melanoma (cell lines and likely patient samples)
Category
Drug Development
Maturity
Exploratory
Journal
Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research

Why it surfaced

Mechanistic melanoma study with ICI resistance implications — preclinical novelty but low population reach at current stage. At lower threshold of STANDARD.

A plain-language summary of published research — not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about your own care.