Insight into the Role of the Immune System in Atherosclerosis and Related Immune Therapy Strategies

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is identified as the most common reason of numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is a chronic disease caused by the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulate together and form a plaque. One of the factors contributing to that is the inflammatory response which is related to various signaling pathways. Both innate immune cells and adaptive immune cells participate in inflammatory responses, which lead to atherosclerosis. Their specific roles in the disease are explained in detail respectively in this project. In order to mitigate overactivated inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis, lots of research and studies have been made to find the potential treatment. Various antagonists which target interleukin 6 (IL-6) or interleukin-1 (IL-1) have been evaluated and applied in clinical treatment for atherosclerosis. In addition, monoclonal antibodies are also developed to target oxidized LDL. Despite the progress on the current therapy for atherosclerosis, more research on the field is needed due to the limit efficiency and adverse effects.