A team from the University of Minnesota has pinpointed a molecule that could become the focus of a new wave of highly effective therapies for atherosclerosis. The findings, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, describe how targeting this molecule may alter the course of the disease by addressing the immune and inflammatory processes that drive plaque buildup in arteries.
In atherosclerosis, cholesterol-rich plaque accumulates on the inner walls of arteries, narrowing the vessel lumin and raising the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. A growing body of work links this condition to persistent inflammation within the blood vessel walls. The Minnesota study adds a new dimension by showing how immune system components contribute to disease progression and how they might be manipulated to slow or halt plaque formation.
Investigators focused on a protein produced by macrophages, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in inflammation and tissue repair. When the gene responsible for this protein, TREM2, was removed from macrophages in mice, the progression of atherosclerosis slowed markedly. The same protective effect occurred when researchers used antibodies to block the molecules created through TREM2 signaling. Together, these results indicate that interrupting TREM2 activity could become a viable immunotherapeutic strategy for preventing cardiovascular disease linked to atherosclerosis.
Experts involved in the study emphasize that traditional approaches often center on lowering cholesterol. While cholesterol management remains essential, the researchers point to inflammation as a pivotal contributor to plaque development over decades. By illuminating a new target within the immune system, the work opens doors for therapies that complement lipid-lowering strategies and address inflammation directly, offering a broader toolkit for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Earlier investigations into related pathways have suggested that metabolic interventions can influence aging and disease processes. The current research aligns with that broader view, underscoring the potential of immunomodulatory approaches to mitigate chronic vascular inflammation and improve artery health over time. As findings advance toward clinical testing, the scientific community watches for how this strategy might integrate with existing treatments and patient care protocols, with the goal of extending heart and vessel longevity and resilience.