Immunopathogenesis and immunomodulatory therapy for myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammatory cardiac disease characterized by the destruction of myocardial cells, infiltration of interstitial inflammatory cells, and fibrosis, and is becoming a major public health concern. The aetiology of myocarditis continues to broaden as new pathogens and drugs emerge. The relationship between immune checkpoint inhibitors, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, vaccines against coronavirus disease-2019, and myocarditis has attracted increased attention. Immunopathological processes play an important role in the different phases of myocarditis, affecting disease occurrence, development, and prognosis. Excessive immune activation can induce severe myocardial injury and lead to fulminant myocarditis, whereas chronic inflammation can lead to cardiac remodelling and inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy. The use of immunosuppressive treatments, particularly cytotoxic agents, for myocarditis, remains controversial. While reasonable and effective immunomodulatory therapy is the general trend. This review focuses on the current understanding of the aetiology and immunopathogenesis of myocarditis and offers new perspectives on immunomodulatory therapies.

Automated summary

Myocarditis is an inflammatory cardiac disease that causes the destruction of myocardial cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and fibrosis, and is becoming a major public health concern. The aetiology of myocarditis is expanding with the emergence of new pathogens and drugs. The relationship between immune checkpoint inhibitors, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, vaccines against coronavirus disease-2019, and myocarditis is gaining attention. Immunopathological processes play a significant role in the development and prognosis of myocarditis. Excessive immune activation can cause severe myocardial injury, while chronic inflammation can result in cardiac remodelling and dilated cardiomyopathy. The use of immunosuppressive treatments, particularly cytotoxic agents, for myocarditis remains controversial, and immunomodulatory therapy is the general trend. This review focuses on the current understanding of the aetiology and immunopathogenesis of myocarditis and provides new perspectives on immunomodulatory therapies.