Johns Hopkins University · BiologyMyocarditis Immunology Research Lab
Daniela Cihakova · Baltimore, Maryland
Research Focus
Dr. Daniela Cihakova's lab focuses on understanding a serious side effect of cancer treatments known as immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis, which can lead to severe heart inflammation and even death in cancer patients. The research explores how certain immune cells in the heart contribute to this condition, particularly after heart injury. By studying these immune responses in mouse models, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new prevention strategies for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
immune checkpoint inhibitorsmyocarditiscancer therapyimmune responseT cells
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how biological factors like age and sex affect the risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor-myocarditis.
AIM 02Characterize the localization and gene expression of specific T cell populations in the heart during myocarditis progression.
AIM 03Examine the role of autoreactive T cells in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitor-myocarditis and explore potential preventive measures.
Skills the Lab Values
mouse modelsflow cytometry3D imagingRNA sequencingparabiosis surgery
Output against the department
Publications157top 43% of dept.442nd of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.3kbottom 40% of dept.624th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.