The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Immunization of apoE-/- mice with aldehyde-modified fibronectin inhibits the development of atherosclerosis.

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

Aims. Oxidation of LDL in the extracellular matrix of the arterial wall results in formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) that modifies surrounding matrix proteins. This is associated with activation of an immune response against modified extracellular matrix proteins present in atherosclerotic plaques. Clinical studies have revealed an inverse association between antibodies to MDA-modified fibronectin and risk for development of cardiovascular events. To determine the functional role of these immune responses in atherosclerosis we performed studies in which apoE-deficient mice were immunized with MDA-modified fibronectin. Methods and Results. Immunization of apoE-deficient mice with MDA-modified fibronectin resulted in a 70% decrease in plaque area and a less inflammatory phenotype of remaining plaques. Immunization shifted a weak naturally occurring Th1 antibody response against MDA-fibronectin into a Th2 antibody response. Cytokine expression and flow cytometry analyses of spleen cells from immunized mice showed an activation of regulatory T cells. Immunization with MDA-fibronectin was also found to reduce plasma fibronectin levels. Conclusions. Immunization with MDA-fibronectin significantly reduces the development of atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice suggesting that the immune response observed in humans may have a protective effect. MDA-fibronectin represents a possible novel target for immunomodulatory therapy in atherosclerosis.

Publishing year

2011

Language

English

Pages

528-536

Publication/Series

Cardiovascular Research

Volume

91

Issue

3

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Topic

  • Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems

Keywords

  • Immunization
  • ApoE(-/-) mice
  • Atherosclerosis
  • MDA-fibronectin

Status

Published

Research group

  • Cardiovascular Research - Immunity and Atherosclerosis

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1755-3245