The role of T and B cells in atherosclerosis: potential clinical implications.
The chronic inflammation process that characterises atherosclerosis involves both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Several lines of evidence have recently highlighted pivotal roles for T and B lymphocytes - cells that belong to the adaptive immune system - in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on the roles of adaptive immune responses in atherosclerosis and present our views on how a better understanding of these immune mechanisms could shape future therapies to slow down or even prevent this disease.
Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, Division of Clinical Sciences, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, London, UK. i.dumitriu@sgul.ac.uk
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D056704:Adaptive Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents