Antigen Candidates for Atherosclerosis Vaccine Development

Abstract

Abstract Atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular issue in the world. Atherosclerosis has long been theorized to be originated from foam cells that build up due to the chronic inflammatory process of cholesterol deposition in the walls of blood vessels and the uptake of oxidized LDL (OxLDL) and phosphorylcholine. Until now, the treatment for atherosclerosis has been focusing on drugs that inhibit the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. Recent findings show that proper regulation of immune cells, both adaptive and innate, has been shown to have a relationship with the prevention of atherosclerotic lesions. The future of vaccination as prevention for atherosclerosis holds great potential, considering studies are abundant in proving the atheroprotective effects of the immunization with several types of antigens. In this literature review, we will discuss the types of antigens which hold promising potentials for atherosclerosis vaccine development and its future challenges.