Clinical Report: New Perspectives on Immune Cell Mechanisms in Inflammation-Induced Atherosclerosis

Overview

This review highlights the role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, emphasizing the complexity of their interactions and the impact of systemic factors.

Background

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide, driven by chronic inflammation and immune responses.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

• Atherosclerosis is characterized by lipid deposition and chronic inflammation.
• Immune cells such as macrophages, T cells, and B cells play critical roles in plaque development and stability.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed significant heterogeneity among immune cell populations in atherosclerotic plaques.
• Systemic factors like gut microbiota and epigenetic changes contribute to chronic vascular inflammation.
• Clonal haematopoiesis is linked to increased vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that targeting specific immune pathways and understanding the role of systemic factors may offer new therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis. Clinicians should consider the multifaceted nature of inflammation in managing cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

This review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the immune mechanisms in atherosclerosis, highlighting the need for integrated approaches in future therapeutic strategies.

Related Resources & Content

1. Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Arteries: Neuro-Immune Interactions and Their Role in Atherosclerosis, 2026 -- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00395-026-01164-x
2. Research progress on targeted regulatory proteins in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, 2026 -- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1791961/full
3. Microbiota-mediated mechanisms of natural products in atherosclerosis: focus on metabolic and inflammatory pathways, 2026 -- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1818349/full
4. 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association -- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2026-guideline-on-the-management-of-dyslipidemia
5. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Targeting the heart-immune axis after myocardial infarction: from inflammation to immunomodulation
6. 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia - Professional Heart Daily | American Heart Association
7. 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias
8. ACCEL Lite: Inflammation in CVD: A 2025 ACC Scientific Statement - American College of Cardiology
9. Efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC
10. LODOCO (colchicine) tablets, for oral use
11. Role of Interleukin-6 in Atherothrombosis and Myocardial Infarction | Current Atherosclerosis Reports | Springer Nature Link
12. ZEUS - Effects of ziltivekimab versus placebo on cardiovascular outcomes in participants with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease chronic kidney disease and systemic inflammation | NYU Langone Health