Immune Modulation and Atherosclerosis

Dear Colleagues,

Atherosclerosis is characterised by the build-up of fatty substances, known as plaques or atheroma, within arteries. It is a dominant cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a leading contributor to global mortality rates and global disability. Current therapy and prevention strategies aim to reduce the risk factors associated with CVD, including diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and obesity. Over the last two decades, basic research has revealed the importance of the immune system in the development and progression of CVD. An inflammatory immune response, triggered by factors such as stress, hyperlipidaemia, and infection, is now understood to contribute to complications associated with CVD. In contrast, immuno-regulatory responses can reduce CVD development.

Immune modulatory therapy, therefore, provides a unique opportunity to target the cause of atherosclerosis rather than the associated risk factors. This strategy would enable the protection of a much larger section of society, particularly those living below the poverty line, and achieve a significant reduction in the economic burden of CVD.

Prof. Dr. Xinjie Lu
Guest Editor

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• atherosclerosis
• cardiovascular disease
• immune modulatory therapy
• vaccinations