The inflammation of the blood vessel walls, which leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, has an autoimmune basis, so a suitable vaccine could prevent it, reports the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology in San Diego (USA) have found that not only cholesterol is responsible for the formation of plaque in blood vessels (for example, the coronary vessels of the heart), but also CD4 T cells – cells associated with the inflammatory process in the heart. artery wall.
These lymphocytes behave as if they have already been in contact with the antigen that triggers them to attack. Most likely it is a human protein, which the body mistakenly recognizes as a foreign, harmful substance and, through the cells presenting antigens, “orders lymphocytes to destroy it. Lymphocytes produce cytokines – molecules associated with the inflammatory process.
The immune memory of lymphocytes can be the basis for the creation of an effective vaccine to protect against atherosclerosis, and thus – heart disease. It would be enough to make the immune system tolerate the protein that is attacked by it. However, obtaining an appropriate vaccine may take many years. If it arises, it could aid the effects of drugs such as cholesterol-lowering statins. (PAP)
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