Immune checkpoint regulation of T cells in atherosclerosis

Co-inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors (´checkpoint receptors´), such as LAG3 and PD1, play a key role in regulating T-cell activation.

Checkpoint receptor blockade (such as anti-PD1) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events in cancer patients but mechanisms are incompletely understood.This research proposal describes studies aimed at elucidating how checkpoint receptors modulate cytokine production, and test strategies to mitigate cardiovascular inflammation caused by checkpoint blockade.

By studying cancer patients treated with checkpoint blockade we will investigate the role of checkpoint receptors in restricting cardiovascular autoimmunity.

In a new population-based cohort study of older adults we will analyze collected leukocytes and investigate the relationship between immune aging, checkpoint receptor expression and atherosclerosis.Altogether these studies will enhance our understanding of the role of checkpoint receptors in cardiovascular disease, informing therapeutic strategies and evaluating biomarkers.