Moving from lipids to leukocytes: inflammation and immune cells in atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading global cause of death.
• While lipid accumulation is a known factor, plaque inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of atherogenesis.
• Current anti-inflammatory treatments show promise but lack specificity, necessitating new therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dual role of immune cells in promoting and mitigating atherosclerosis.
• To identify novel, atherosclerosis-specific therapeutic targets.
• To integrate diverse research findings for a comprehensive understanding of immune involvement.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental studies on immune cell contributions to atherosclerosis.
• Integration of high-throughput multi-omics data.
• Analysis of epidemiological research findings.

Main Results:

• Immune cells from both innate and adaptive systems significantly influence atherogenesis.
• Specific immune cell subsets and their inflammatory pathways are critical in ASCVD development.
• Understanding these cellular contributions can guide targeted anti-atherosclerosis therapies.

Conclusions:

• Targeting specific immune mechanisms offers a promising strategy for ASCVD treatment.
• Further research into immune cell functions in atherosclerosis is crucial for developing effective therapies.
• A multi-faceted approach combining experimental, omics, and epidemiological data provides a robust understanding of ASCVD pathogenesis.