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The immunomodulatory effects of antihypertensive therapy: A review
Dominik Felkle1, Mateusz Jarczyński1, Konrad Kaleta1
1Students' Scientific Group at the Department of Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Kraków, Poland.
Insights
Antihypertensive drugs, widely used for hypertension, may impact immune function. This review examines how common blood pressure medications affect the immune system and highlights knowledge gaps for clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
- Antihypertensive drugs are widely prescribed globally, yet their effects on the immune system are not fully understood.
- Immune cell receptors are targets for many antihypertensive medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory effects of the five most common antihypertensive drug classes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these drug-immune interactions.
- To identify gaps in current knowledge regarding antihypertensive drugs and patient health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on antihypertensive drugs and immune function.
- Analysis of pharmacological mechanisms of action.
- Assessment of clinical implications.
Main Results:
- Common antihypertensive drugs interact with immune cells through various mechanisms.
- These interactions can lead to both beneficial and potentially detrimental alterations in immune function.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding the long-term impact on patient health.
Conclusions:
- Antihypertensive drug administration can modulate immune system function.
- Further research is needed to fully comprehend these effects and optimize clinical decision-making.
- Understanding drug-induced immunomodulation is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Abstract:
Hypertension remains the leading preventable risk factor for stroke and coronary artery disease, significantly contributing to all-cause global mortality and predisposing patients to renal and heart failure, as well as peripheral vascular disease. Due to the widespread usage of antihypertensive drugs, global mean blood pressure has remained unchanged or even slightly decreased over the past four decades. However, considering the broad spectrum of mechanisms involved in the action of antihypertensive drugs and the prevalence of their target receptors on immune cells, possible immunomodulatory effects which may exert beneficial effects of lowering blood pressure but also potentially alter immune function should be considered. In this review, we attempt to assess the consequences to immune system function of administering the five most commonly prescribed groups of antihypertensive drugs and to explain the mechanisms behind those interactions. Finally, we show potential gaps in our understanding of the effects of antihypertensive drugs on patient health. With regard to the widespread use of these drugs in the adult population worldwide, the discussed results may be of vital importance to evidence-based decision-making in daily clinical practice.
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