Immunology of atherosclerosis
Recent clinical trials have established the effectiveness of immunotherapy in atherosclerosis but more specific targeting of inflammatory risk is needed. Autoimmune reactions towards low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are prevalent in the immune inflammation that propagates the disease and could control disease manifestations.
Our research team studies these immune reactions in various model systems and has observed substantial effects on atherosclerosis development and lipoprotein metabolism. Moreover, metabolic adaptations crucially shape the immune cell responses. Understanding the molecular and dynamic interplay between vascular immune reactions and lipoproteins could ultimately inform therapeutic intervention for human disease. We aim to find new therapeutic targets as well as be able to stratify cardiovascular patients according to LDL autoimmune status and plaque characteristics to accurately adapt treatments and follow-up.