Investigating how TIGIT helps protect the heart during cancer immunotherapy

TIGIT upholds peripheral tolerance in ICI-myocarditis

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10995605

This study is looking at how a protein called TIGIT might help protect the heart from damage caused by cancer treatments known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which can sometimes lead to heart problems in patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10995605 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called TIGIT in preventing heart damage caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which are used in cancer treatment. While ICIs can effectively target tumors, they may also trigger harmful immune responses that affect the heart, leading to a serious condition known as ICI-myocarditis. The study will explore how TIGIT signaling interacts with other immune pathways to maintain heart health during cancer therapy. By examining these mechanisms in laboratory models, the research aims to identify potential strategies to mitigate heart-related side effects in cancer patients receiving ICIs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and are at risk for heart-related side effects.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cancer treatment or those who do not have a risk of ICI-myocarditis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for protecting the heart in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that targeting immune pathways can effectively reduce adverse effects in cancer treatments, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.