Programmed death-1 ligand 1 and 2 are highly expressed in pleomorphic carcinomas of the lung: Comparison of sarcomatous and carcinomatous areas

Highlights • We evaluate the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway molecules in pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PC). • PD-L1 and PD-L2 are highly expressed in pulmonary PCs. • PD-L1 expression is higher in sarcomatous areas than carcinomatous portion in PCs. • PD-L1-positive PCs were infiltrated by higher numbers of CD8+ lymphocytes. • Targeting the PD-1/PD-Ls pathway may be potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary PC.