Scientists from the University of Minnesota (U of M) have discovered a molecule that could be the target of a new generation of highly effective drugs against atherosclerosis. The research was published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research.
With atherosclerosis, plaque accumulates on the walls of the arteries, leading to narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Numerous studies have shown that this disease is associated with increased inflammation in the walls of blood vessels.
In the new study, scientists found that atherosclerosis in mice could be significantly slowed if the TREM2 gene was removed from macrophages, specialized immune cells. They were able to achieve a similar result by using antibodies to block the molecules that TREM2 is responsible for producing. This suggests that TREM2 is a potential immunotherapeutic target for future drugs against atherosclerosis.
“Current approaches focus almost exclusively on lowering cholesterol levels, but we have observed for decades that inflammation also contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries. This study opens up a new way to prevent cardiovascular disease,” said study author Jesse Williams.
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