The therapeutic potential of targeting B cells and anti-oxLDL antibodies in atherosclerosis

Autoimmun Rev. 2009 Sep;9(1):53-7. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.03.001. Epub 2009 Mar 11.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology*
  • Antibodies / therapeutic use
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / pathology*
  • Atherosclerosis / therapy*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Depletion
  • Mice
  • Receptors, IgG / immunology
  • Receptors, IgG / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Receptors, IgG
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein