Immunization for atherosclerosis

This review summarizes experimental findings that highlight the complex roles of the immune system in atherogenesis. Immune activation can have either proatherogenic or atheroprotective effects. Immune-modulation therapy via an active or passive immunization strategy aims to exploit the atheroprotective aspects of the immune system to modulate atherosclerosis. Several experimental studies have demonstrated that such an approach is feasible and effective, raising the tantalizing possibility that an atheroprotective vaccine can be developed for clinical testing. Several potential immunogens have been identified and tested for their atheroprotective efficacy with variable results. Although several questions such as choice of optimal antigens, choice of most effective adjuvants, the optimal route of administration, durability of effects, and safety remain to be answered, we believe that a vaccine-based approach to manage atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a potentially viable paradigm.