Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting against programmed cell death-1(PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) have shown efficacy in cancer treatment. However, a spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have raised concerns about their clinical application. IrAEs are distinct from traditional chemo- and radiotherapy-induced toxicities, as they are related in particular to the dysregulation of immune system and autoimmunity. The underlying pathogenesis of irAEs remains elusive. Understanding of the potential underlying mechanism is of great importance for the management of irAEs and the development of new ICIs with insignificant irAEs. In this review, we summarize the current evidence to provide insights into the biological basis of irAEs and provide a potential explanation for their pathogenesis, with focus on the relationship between checkpoint molecules and immune cell regulation.

针对程序性细胞死亡1（PD-1）和细胞毒性T淋巴细胞抗原4（CTLA-4）的免疫检查点抑制剂（ICIs）已显示出在癌症治疗中的功效。但是，一系列与免疫相关的不良事件（irAE）引起了人们对其临床应用的关注。IrAEs与传统的化学和放射疗法诱导的毒性不同，因为它们特别与免疫系统的异常调节和自身免疫有关。irAEs的潜在发病机制仍然难以捉摸。了解潜在的潜在机制对于irAE的管理以及开发具有微不足道的irAE的新ICI至关重要。在这篇综述中，我们总结了目前的证据，以提供有关irAEs生物学基础的见解，并为它们的发病机理提供潜在的解释，