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Mechanisms of cardioprotection via modulation of the immune response
Gabriel A Grilo1, Patti R Shaver1, Lisandra E de Castro Brás1
1The Brody School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Blvd, Greenville NC 27834, USA.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of death. Novel therapies targeting the immune response show promise for protecting the heart after ischemic events and preventing heart failure progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
- Cardiac Regeneration
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes significant global morbidity and mortality, accounting for 31% of US deaths.
- Current research aims to develop therapies protecting the heart from ischemic events and adverse remodeling.
- Inflammatory responses post-cardiac insult are crucial for healing but can exacerbate heart failure if uncontrolled.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide novel insights into cardioprotective strategies.
- To highlight promising therapeutic approaches targeting the immune response in cardiac conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on cardiovascular disease, immunology, and cardiac repair.
- Analysis of the role of the immune system in myocardial healing and pathology.
- Identification of therapeutic targets within the immune cascade for cardioprotection.
Main Results:
- The immune system's dual role in cardiac healing and disease exacerbation is critical.
- Targeting specific immune pathways offers potential for novel cardioprotective therapies.
- Understanding immune modulation is key to preventing heart failure progression.
Conclusions:
- Modulating the immune response presents a promising avenue for novel cardioprotective strategies.
- Therapeutic interventions focused on immune pathways could mitigate damage after cardiac insult.
- Further research into immune-targeted therapies is warranted for cardiovascular disease management.
Abstract:
Both morbidity and mortality as a result of cardiovascular disease remain significant worldwide and account for approximately 31% of annual deaths in the US. Current research is focused on novel therapeutic strategies to protect the heart during and after ischemic events and from subsequent adverse myocardial remodeling. After cardiac insult, the immune system is activated and plays an essential role in the beginning, development, and resolution of the healing cascade. Uncontrolled inflammatory responses can cause chronic disease and exacerbate progression to heart failure and therefore, constitute a major area of focus of cardiac therapies. In the present overview, we share novel insights and promising therapeutic cardioprotective strategies that target the immune response.