The role of B cell immunity in accelerated atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and results in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that upon rupture or erosion cause myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. The recent clinical trial CANTOS (Canakinumab Anti-Inflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study) has demonstrated the therapeutic value of immunomodulation in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD. This is very important as survivors of MI exhibit a particularly high risk for recurrent infarctions that experimental studies have attributed to accelerated atherosclerosis. However, the role of the immune system in this setting is not well understood. Here, we aim to investigate how major risk factors for secondary atherosclerotic CVD, such as aging and history of MI, modulate the immune responses and thereby affect atherosclerosis progression. Our studies will employ preclinical models and will include analyses of plaque specimens and peripheral immune cell subsets from coronary artery disease patients. These studies will provide new insights for the development of precise therapeutic strategies, which will be particularly relevant for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD.