Defining the mechanism of toxicity from loss of immune checkpoints

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Cancer treatment has improved with immune checkpoint blockade, boosting the immune system’s ability to target tumours. New therapies using modified mRNA vaccines promise even better outcomes. However, these treatments can sometimes cause serious side effects by activating immune cells that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues. Our research aims to understand why these side effects happen and find ways to make these therapies safer.Our Approach:1. Studying Patients:o We examine patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade or modified mRNA vaccines to see how their immune systems are affected.o By comparing them to people with rare genetic diseases affecting the immune system, we confirm that the side effects are directly caused by the treatments.2. Using Animal Models:o We use mice to model immune system problems, helping us study their causes.o These models allow us to test different treatments and immune adjustments to prevent or reduce side effects.Our Goal:Combining patient studies with animal research, we aim to improve the safety of cancer treatments. Understanding these side effects will help us develop therapies that are both effective and safe, leading to better outcomes for cancer patients.