Atherosclerosis antigens as targets for immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology
• Pathology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a major global cause of mortality, characterized by chronic arterial inflammation.
• Adaptive immunity, involving T and B cells, significantly influences atherosclerosis development, with roles that can be protective or detrimental.
• The precise impact of antigen specificity on adaptive immune responses in atherosclerosis remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of adaptive immunity in atherosclerosis.
• To explore how antigen specificity influences disease outcomes.
• To discuss the potential of immunotherapies and vaccination strategies targeting adaptive immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on adaptive immunity in atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of insights from single-cell technologies.
• Examination of identified atherosclerosis antigens, antibodies, and clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Adaptive immune cells, including T and B cells, play complex roles in atherosclerosis.
• Antigen specificity is a critical factor determining whether immune responses are atheroprotective or atherogenic.
• Single-cell technologies offer detailed functional insights into immune cell subsets involved in the disease.

Conclusions:

• Understanding antigen triggers is essential for elucidating atherosclerosis mechanisms.
• Targeting specific antigens and adaptive immune responses holds promise for novel immunotherapeutic and vaccination strategies.
• Further research into antigen-specific immunity could lead to more effective treatments for atherosclerosis.