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B cells and atherosclerosis: A HIV perspective

Laventa M Obare1, Rachel H Bonami2,3,4,5, Amanda C Doran3,4,5,6

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|April 23, 2024
PubMed

Insights

B cells play a complex role in atherosclerosis, influencing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, especially in people with HIV (PLWH). Understanding these roles may lead to new B cell-targeted therapies for CVD.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Virology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a major cause of global cardiovascular disease (CVD), driven by inflammation and lipid metabolism.
  • B cells are implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis, but their role, particularly in HIV infection, is not fully understood.
  • HIV infection is associated with chronic immune activation, potentially impacting B cell function and CVD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of B cells in atherosclerosis.
  • To specifically examine the influence of HIV on B cell roles in atherosclerosis.
  • To explore the proatherogenic and antiatherogenic properties of B cells in the context of HIV.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on B cell functions in atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of B cell roles including natural antibody production, antigen presentation, and cytokine/chemokine production.
  • Examination of how HIV-associated immune dysregulation affects B cells and CVD risk.

Main Results:

  • B cells contribute to atherosclerotic plaque development through natural antibodies targeting modified lipoproteins and cellular debris.
  • B cells modulate local and systemic immune responses via antigen presentation and cytokine production.
  • HIV may exacerbate CVD risk by altering B cell functions within the atherosclerotic environment.

Conclusions:

  • B cells possess both proatherogenic and antiatherogenic properties that influence atherosclerotic plaque development.
  • HIV significantly impacts B cell-mediated immune responses, potentially increasing CVD risk in infected individuals.
  • Further research into B cell functions in HIV-associated atherosclerosis may yield novel therapeutic targets for CVD prevention.

Keywords:
B cellsHIVatherosclerosiscardiovascular diseaseinflammation

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