While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the game by supercharging T cells to fight cancer, for many patients ICIs also trigger autoimmune side effects. These include a form of inflammatory arthritis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Ayano Kohlgruber is investigating the underlying biological mechanism that causes ICI-induced arthritis so that more patients can benefit from these powerful therapies without painful side effects.

Dr. Kohlgruber’s research focuses on a specific group of CD8 T cells that rapidly grow and expand after ICI treatment. These cells have similarities with other T cells found in the blood and inflamed joints of affected patients, suggesting they are attacking the body’s own tissues rather than just the tumor.

To uncover the self-antigens driving this autoimmune attack, Dr. Kohlgruber will reconstruct T-cell receptors and test their responses with high-throughput genetic screens. Her goal is to figure out exactly what these cells are recognizing and why, which could lead to better methods for predicting, diagnosing, and managing ICI-related toxicities.

Research Focus

Arthritis, immune checkpoint inhibitors, T cells

Projects and Grants

Determination of CD8 T-cell specificities in immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced arthritis