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Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Therapies in Atherosclerosis

Justine Deroissart1, Florentina Porsch1, Thomas Koller1

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|July 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Hypercholesterolemia increases atherosclerosis risk, and while statins lower LDL cholesterol, residual risk remains. Emerging immunomodulatory therapies targeting inflammation offer new hope for treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Hypercholesterolemia is a primary driver of atherosclerosis.
  • Statins are effective but leave residual cardiovascular risk.
  • Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current advancements in immunomodulatory treatments for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
  • To explore novel therapeutic targets and strategies for atherosclerosis.
  • To discuss the application of existing immune-modulating drugs in atherosclerosis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent clinical trials, focusing on the CANTOS trial.
  • Analysis of preclinical research identifying new therapeutic targets.
  • Examination of drugs with selective and non-specific anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Results:

  • The CANTOS trial highlighted inflammation as a therapeutic target.
  • Existing immunomodulatory drugs are being translated for atherosclerosis treatment.
  • New targets and broad anti-inflammatory agents show promise.

Conclusions:

  • Immunomodulatory therapies represent a promising frontier for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
  • Targeting inflammation alongside lipid lowering is crucial for residual risk reduction.
  • Further research into selective and non-specific immunomodulation is warranted.

Keywords:
Adaptive immunityAnti-inflammatory therapyAtherosclerosisCardiovascular diseasesImmunotherapyInflammationInnate immunity

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