Atherosclerosis: immunopathogenesis and strategies for immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving atheroma buildup in arteries, leading to severe cardiovascular events.
• The immune system's role in atherosclerosis is complex, with both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses identified.
• Regulatory T cells (Tregs) show atheroprotective potential through anti-inflammatory cytokine release and suppression of autoreactive lymphocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of immune responses in atherosclerosis.
• To discuss immunoregulatory therapies for atherosclerosis.
• To highlight the potential of vaccines for inducing immunological tolerance to atheroma antigens.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of proatherogenic immune responses.
• Analysis of current immunoregulatory therapeutic strategies.
• Examination of *in vivo* animal studies on atheroma antigen tolerance.

Main Results:

• Atherosclerosis involves chronic inflammation and immune cell infiltration.
• Tregs play a crucial role in mitigating atherosclerosis via IL-10/TGF-β.
• Vaccine-induced tolerance to atheroma antigens shows promise in animal models.

Conclusions:

• Targeting immune responses offers novel therapeutic avenues for atherosclerosis.
• Immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly those involving Tregs and tolerance induction, are key for future treatments.
• Further research into immune modulation is vital for combating cardiovascular disease.