Heart inflammation caused by cancer immunotherapy
Pathogenesis of Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced myocarditis
Researchers are learning how immune-checkpoint cancer drugs can trigger dangerous heart inflammation so future patients can be protected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248804 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a mouse model that mimics the heart inflammation some patients get after immune-checkpoint cancer therapy, showing rises in heart injury markers, abnormal heart rhythms, and heavy immune cell infiltration of the heart. The team found that heart-specific myosin-reactive CD8+ T cells drive the damage and that similar T cells can be present in normal hearts, so they will study how these cells become activated and cause injury. Experiments include giving checkpoint-blocking antibodies to mice, monitoring troponin and heart rhythm changes, and examining the types and behavior of immune cells in heart tissue. The goal is to pinpoint mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent or treat myocarditis without stopping cancer therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The findings would be most relevant to cancer patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, or LAG-3 inhibitors, especially those who develop signs of myocarditis such as chest pain, elevated troponin, or new arrhythmias.
Not a fit: People whose heart problems are due to non-immune causes (for example, coronary artery disease or unrelated structural heart disease) are unlikely to benefit from the specific immune-focused interventions this research targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help lead to ways to prevent or treat life-threatening myocarditis in people receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
How similar studies have performed: Cases of immune-checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis have been reported and some animal models exist, but clear mechanistic targets and proven therapies remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cihakova, Daniela — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cihakova, Daniela
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.