The PD‐L1 expressed on tumor cells binds to PD‐1 on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tumor microenvironments, allowing tumor cells to escape from immune attack with TILs and leading TILs to apoptosis.10, 11, 12 As there are several clinical trials of the anti‐PD‐1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) induced significant clinical responses among the several types of the refractory tumors,13, 14, 15, 16, 17 the inhibition of PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction by therapeutic mAb would be a new promising strategy for ESCC. The gene discussed is CD274; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.