Introduction:
German researchers have discovered the underlying causes of central nervous system side effects caused by cancer immunotherapies and have identified potential blockers for these effects. The researchers found that immune cancer therapies with PD1 and CTLA-1 blockers triggered an abnormal activation process in microglia cells, the brain’s immune system. Using mouse models, the researchers demonstrated that Syk inhibitors, such as entospletinib or fostamatinib, could dampen microglial activation and protect against cognitive deficits caused by the immunotherapies. The researchers also observed similar markers of microglial activation in postmortem brain tissue from patients receiving anti-PD-1 treatments. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the central nervous system side effects of cancer immunotherapies and suggest potential interventions to mitigate these effects.
- Immune cancer therapies with PD1 and CTLA-1 blockers trigger abnormal activation of microglia cells in the brain’s immune system.
- Syk inhibitors, such as entospletinib or fostamatinib, can dampen microglial activation in mice and protect against cognitive deficits caused by the immunotherapies.
- Postmortem brain tissue from patients receiving anti-PD-1 treatments displayed similar markers of microglial activation.
- The researchers caution that their findings primarily focus on microglia and other cell types, such as astrocytes, may also contribute to neuroinflammation linked to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Conclusion:
The researchers have identified the causes of central nervous system side effects of cancer immunotherapies and have identified potential blockers for these effects. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of these side effects, future interventions can be developed to mitigate them and improve patient outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the role of other cell types in neuroinflammation linked to anti-PD-1 therapy.
