Immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade therapy offer a new model for NSCLC treatment, but only about 30% of patients with NSCLC benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy (3). Here, PDCD1 is linked to non-small cell lung carcinoma.