Understanding how T-cells cause heart inflammation from cancer treatments
Official title: Identification of Causal T-Cell Mechanisms in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Myocarditis
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11007197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain cancer treatments can sometimes cause heart inflammation, and it aims to understand how specific immune cells might be causing this issue, so we can find better ways to protect the heart for patients undergoing these therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $166,320 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL161405-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with advanced cancer who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and may be at risk for myocarditis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or do not have advanced cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which immune checkpoint inhibitors, used in cancer therapy, can lead to myocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart. The study focuses on the role of specific T-cells that may become overly activated and cause damage to the heart tissue. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell transfer experiments, the researchers aim to identify the pathways involved in this adverse effect. This could help in developing strategies to prevent or manage heart complications in patients receiving these cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and management strategies for patients undergoing cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of T-cell induced myocarditis are still being explored, there is ongoing research into immune-related adverse events from cancer therapies, indicating a growing understanding of this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Han — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Han
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Immunologic and Antigenic Drivers of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Associated Heart Inflammation
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Understanding how T cells and heart cells talk in a life-threatening heart inflammation from cancer immunotherapy
A doctor–scientist will study how immune T cells interact with heart cells in people treated for cancer who develop dangerous inflammation from immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Understanding heart inflammation caused by cancer immunotherapy
This study is looking at how certain cancer treatments can sometimes cause heart inflammation called myocarditis, and it's for patients who are receiving these immunotherapy drugs; the researchers want to understand how this happens so they can help improve care for those affected.
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A fast, point-of-care ultrasound test using special contrast bubbles may help doctors quickly see active heart inflammation in people with chest pain or suspected ACS.
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Muscle-Related Enzyme TRIM55 and Autoimmune Heart Inflammation in Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome
A new research project studies how a muscle-specific enzyme called TRIM55 drives autoimmune heart inflammation in a genetic syndrome.
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Targeted CXCR3 blockade to treat immunotherapy-related heart inflammation
A targeted drug approach aims to prevent or lessen heart inflammation caused by immune therapies in cancer patients, using CXCR3-blocking strategies.
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.