CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNE RESPONSE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Immune checkpoints naturally help to protect the heart and blood vessels by controlling T-cell activity. They reduce inflammation, promote the development of protective regulatory T-cells and help to maintain stability in blood vessels plaques. When immune checkpoint inhibitor blocks these checkpoints, T-cells can cause inflammation and damage. In some cases, ICIs have also been linked to autoimmune reactions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks heart cells. Normally monoclonal antibodies are the immune checkpoint inhibitors. After escaping from the immune checkpoints, the tumour cells promote T-cell activation which allows them to proliferate. The monoclonal antibodies bind to immune checkpoints and their ligands to prevent inhibition of T-cell activation by tumour cells multiple immune checkpoints inhibitors are developed specially targeted to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA 4), programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3). This therapy has demonstrated powerful anti-tumour effects and significantly enhanced prognosis for cancer patients. But due to systematic effects, the therapy causes immune related adverse events (irAEs) like atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. These events affect mainly cardiovascular system, liver and lungs and skin. This review highlights the mechanisms through which immune checkpoints protect the cardiovascular system and how blocking them can lead to damage. By understanding this process researchers can identify new ways to prevent or treat cardiovascular irAEs without reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatment. This knowledge could lead to better outcomes for patients by balancing cancer control with good heart health. This simplified overview aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune system regulation and cardiovascular health.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788198800473.2025.253-263