Autoimmune complications of cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy of cancer with blockade of inhibitory immune checkpoints and adoptive cell therapies have led to impressive clinical responses in several cancers. However, with increasing utilization of these therapies, immune-related adverse events have emerged as a major obstacle. Herein I discuss recent insights into the immunobiology of these toxicities. Deeper understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, cellular and molecular pathways involved, similarities and differences with spontaneous autoimmunity, and identification of clinically relevant predictive biomarkers is needed to develop optimal approaches to prevent and treat these toxicities, without compromising the therapeutic benefit from these immune therapies. These events may also provide a unique window into mechanisms underlying spontaneous autoimmunity.