ANTAGONIZING ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Antagonize atherosclerosis

France - Atherosclerosis or fatty plaque accumulates in the arterial wall is the source of most cardiovascular diseases. While B cells of the immune system were considered as elements of protection against the formation of these plaques, the researchers from Inserm now refute this hypothesis. These results were published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the arteries caused by several factors, including increased cholesterol and is characterized by an accumulation of lipids (fats) in the arterial wall in the form of plates. The rupture of these plaques is responsible for most cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction or stroke. These diseases are the leading cause of death in industrialized countries. It is therefore essential to identify patients at risk and to understand the progression of the disease, to prevent and treat it.

The immune response (macrophages, B cells, T cells) ranging from

people plays an important role in the progression of these plaques and therefore in the development of cardiovascular disease complications. To date, the role assigned to all B cells seems protective of atherosclerosis.

However, the work of Ziad Mallat now clearly refute this hypothesis. The researcher has actually shown that using an antibody against B cells and cause the disappearance of 96%

provides significant protection against the development of atherosclerosis. This antibody is

very effectively in humans for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. The protective effect is due to decreased production of an immune system hormone, interferon gamma, which promotes atherosclerosis and increased interleukin-17 a protective hormone.

These findings have important clinical implications. They suggest that therapies directed against B cells present in patients suffering from inflammatory diseases such as

lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, may reduce cardiovascular risk. Clinical trials have been made in this direction for the team and to evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis before and after treatment.