The therapeutic potential of targeting B cells and anti-oxLDL antibodies in atherosclerosis.
Autoimmun Rev 2009;
9:53-7. [PMID:
19285155 DOI:
10.1016/j.autrev.2009.03.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
While the involvement of T cells in atherosclerosis is nowadays well accepted, little is known about the role of B cells. Obviously, B cells as the source of antibodies, in particular antibodies to oxLDL, have gained a lot of attention in atherosclerosis. In addition, B cells do harbour other functions in adaptive immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on both the role of B cells and antibodies, i.e., anti-oxLDL antibodies, in atherosclerosis. It appears that B cells and also anti-oxLDL antibodies may comprise pro- and anti-atherogenic effects. Therefore, the establishment of effective therapy, targeting B cells or anti-oxLDL antibodies, warrants further research to unravel these opposite effects.
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