Targeting B cells in atherosclerosis: closing the gap from bench to bedside.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic plaque formation is strongly influenced by different arms of the immune system, including B lymphocytes. B cells are divided into 2 main families: the B1 and the B2 cells. B1 cells are atheroprotective mainly via the production of natural IgM antibodies that bind oxidized low-density lipoprotein and apoptotic cells. B2 cells, which include follicular and marginal zone B cells, are suggested to be proatherogenic. Antibody-mediated depletion of B cells has become a valuable treatment option for certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis that are also characterized by the development of premature atherosclerosis. Thus, B cells represent a novel interesting target for therapeutic modulation of the atherosclerotic disease process. Here, we discuss the effect of different of B-cell subsets in experimental atherosclerosis, their mechanism of action as well as potential ways to exploit these findings for the treatment of human disease.CJB is supported by grants of the Austrian Science Fund (SFB F30 and F54) and the European Union (FP7). APS and ZM are supported by grants from the British Heart Foundation.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the American Heart Association at http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/ATVBAHA.114.303569

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