2015 russell ross memorial lecture in vascular biology: Protective autoimmunity in atherosclerosis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. It is accompanied by an autoimmune response against apolipoprotein B-100, the core protein of low-density lipoprotein, which manifests as CD4 T cell and antibody responses. To assess the role of the autoimmune response in atherosclerosis, the nature of the CD4 T cell response against apolipoprotein B-100 was studied with and without vaccination with major histocompatibility complex-II-restricted apolipoprotein B-100 peptides. The immunologic basis of autoimmunity in atherosclerosis is discussed in the framework of theories of adaptive immunity. Older vaccination approaches are also discussed. Vaccinating Apoe-/- mice with major histocompatibility complex-II-restricted apolipoprotein B-100 peptides reduces atheroma burden in the aorta by ≈40%. The protective mechanism likely includes secretion of interleukin-10. Protective autoimmunity limits atherosclerosis in mice and suggests potential for developing preventative and therapeutic vaccines for humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)429-436
Number of pages8
JournalArteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology
Volume36
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • apolipoprotein B
  • atherosclerosis
  • immune system
  • immunology
  • lymphocyte

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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