How new immune therapies affect heart health and vulnerability
Official title: Emerging Immune Checkpoint Therapies Reshape the Cardiac Immune Landscape and Promote Myocardial Vulnerability
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10985760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two immune therapies used for cancer treatment might affect the heart's immune system, and it aims to find ways to make these treatments safer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $102,495 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL171935-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing immune checkpoint therapy for cancer who may be at risk for cardiovascular complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving immune checkpoint therapies or those without cardiovascular concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of combining two immune therapies, OX40 activation and PD-1 inhibition, on the heart's immune system. It aims to understand how these therapies reshape the immune landscape in the heart and potentially lead to cardiovascular issues. By studying the response of cardiac T-cells and their interaction with other immune cells, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could mitigate risks associated with these therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could improve the safety and efficacy of cancer treatments involving these immune checkpoint therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer cancer treatments that minimize heart-related side effects for patients undergoing immune checkpoint therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While immune checkpoint therapies have shown success in treating various cancers, the specific combination of OX40 activation and PD-1 inhibition in relation to cardiac health is still being explored and is considered novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Pan — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ma, Pan
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.