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Review
. 2014 Jan;10(1):77-89.
doi: 10.1586/1744666X.2014.857602. Epub 2013 Dec 2.

Understanding the role of B cells in atherosclerosis: potential clinical implications

Samuel Morris-Rosenfeld  1 , Michael J Lipinski, Coleen A McNamara
Affiliations
Review

Understanding the role of B cells in atherosclerosis: potential clinical implications

Samuel Morris-Rosenfeld et al. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease of the medium to large arteries that is the largest contributor to cardiovascular disease. B-cell subsets have been shown in animal models of atherosclerosis to have both atherogenic and atheroprotective properties. In this review, we highlight the research that developed our understanding of the role of B cells in atherosclerosis both in humans and mice. From this we discuss the potential clinical impact B cells could have both as diagnostic biomarkers and as targets for immunotherapy. Finally, we recognize the inherent difficulty in translating findings from animal models into humans given the differences in both cardiovascular disease and the immune system between mice and humans, making the case for greater efforts at addressing the role of B cells in human atherosclerosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Surface markers used to distinguish murine B cell subsets and the potential functions of B cell subsets in atherosclerosis. *Established in the literature. †Proposed in the literature. a
Figure 2
Figure 2
Meta-analysis of RTX treatment in rheumatologic diseases shows no correlation with cardiovascular events. Forest plot showing RTX treatment vs. standard therapy looking at adverse cardiovascular events. Odds Ratio 0.98, p=0.95, I2=0%.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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