In NSCLC, osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein, is associated with the amplification of the checkpoint protein PD-L1 via the NF-κB pathway, therefore serving as a tactical manoeuvre employed by the tumour to elude immune surveillance and annihilation (Li et al., 2021a). The gene discussed is SPP1; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.