Trained Immunity and Cardiovascular Risk: An Immunological Perspective

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Systemic inflammation drives atherosclerosis and its complications.
• Current anti-inflammatory therapies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) carry risks of immune suppression.
• Trained immunity, a form of innate immune memory, is implicated in chronic inflammation and disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence for trained immunity in ASCVD.
• To explore how risk factors induce trained immunity.
• To discuss the role of trained immunity in vascular inflammation and guide future therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on trained immunity and ASCVD.
• Analysis of risk factors contributing to trained immunity.
• Discussion of metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Trained immunity is induced by risk factors like hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, diet, stress, and infection.
• This innate immune memory may sustain vascular inflammation in ASCVD.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments.

Conclusions:

• Trained immunity is a significant factor in ASCVD development and progression.
• Targeting trained immunity offers a precise immunomodulatory approach for ASCVD.
• Further research into its mechanisms will enable next-generation therapies for ASCVD prevention and treatment.