How are immune cells involved in plaque development?

Understanding the pathogenic role of B cells in atherosclerosis

BHF Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellow Dr Andrew Sage is studying how different parts of our immune system play a role in boosting or reducing plaque development in atherosclerosis. As atherosclerosis happens, blood vessels become ‘furred up’ with fatty plaques, which can lead to having heart attacks and strokes. Dr Sage has identified a type of white blood cell called antibody-producing B cells that may cause plaques to form. They believe that these cells enhance the responses of other immune cells called T cells. Both B and T cells are important for normal immunity that keeps the body healthy. In this project, he will study these cells in mice which have been genetically modified so the cells glow, and he can follow them as they move through blood vessels. By blocking certain functions of these cells and studying how they become activated by other parts of the immune system he will find out exactly how these cells promote atherosclerosis. This research will find out why antibody-producing B cells become involved in atherosclerosis and the reasons why these cells promote disease. It may determine new pathways that could be targets for new atherosclerosis treatments and help us understand the link between immune diseases and heart disease risk.