Fresh study reveals mechanisms behind heart damage caused by CTLA-4 blockade

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a protein receptor on T immune cells that prevents the cells from killing other cells, such as cancer cells. Blocking CTLA-4 with a specific antibody is an effective treatment for some cancers, but it can damage the heart. Fresh research published in FASEB Journal reveals the mechanisms involved in this side effect – a discovery that could assist prevent it.

Experiments in mice have shown that blocking CTLA-4 activates a type of T cell called Th17 cells, which boost inflammation. Blocking that activation reversed the heart damage caused by anti-CTLA-4.

“Targeting this axis could potentially represent a preventive or therapeutic strategy to manage cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing therapy with CTLA-4 antibody-based immune checkpoint inhibitors, the authors wrote.