Daniela Cihakova

Daniela Cihakova, MD, PhD is a Professor of Pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. She serves as Associate Director of the Immunology Clinical Laboratory and Deputy Director of Research.

• Education: MD and PhD from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic

Her research focuses on Cardiac Immunology, particularly the role of immune cells and cardiac stromal cells in myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and post-vaccination cardiac inflammation. She investigates cytokine signaling (IL-17A, IL-4), immune cell interactions, and autoimmune mechanisms in diseases like Sjogren's Syndrome and congenital heart block.

Recent publications highlight her work on inflammatory cardiomyopathy, including studies on IL-4's role in progression to dilated cardiomyopathy, T-cell mechanisms in checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis, and endothelial dysfunction in severe COVID-19. Her research spans both autoimmune heart diseases and immune responses to viral infections.

• Scientific Awards: Mirowski Discovery Award

Dr. Cihakova collaborates with cardiologists and virologists on projects ranging from myocarditis pathogenesis to post-COVID cardiac complications. Her lab develops models mimicking clinical myocarditis subtypes to dissect immune cell contributions.