# Mitigating atherosclerosis: Integrating vaccines with gene targets

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how vaccines targeting specific genes and immune responses could help reduce atherosclerosis and its deadly effects.

## Contribution

The paper proposes integrating vaccines with gene targets to better understand and mitigate atherosclerosis through immune responses.

## Key findings

- Atherosclerotic plaques form through cellular dysfunction and extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Vaccines targeting antigens like ox-LDL and ApoB-100 may help mitigate atherosclerosis.
- Vaccination is suggested as an effective strategy to reduce mortality in autoimmune diseases.

## Abstract

The formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques occur through cellular dysfunction and remodeling of the extracellular matrix in the sub-endothelial space of vessels. The immunity against specific antigens is suggested to mitigate the atherosclerosis process. Primarily, studies have suggested that certain antigens, such as ox-LDL, ApoB-100, CETP, PCSK9, HSP60, MHC-II-derived peptides, and interleukins, are involved in atherosclerosis. However, recognizing the intricate interplay between immune responses and the formation of arterial plaques is essential to optimize immunization against atherosclerosis. In this review, the roles of some genes were presented in triggering atherosclerotic plaque events. Furthermore, some immunization approaches are presented to target these genes. The studies suggested that vaccination against the progression of atherosclerosis is an essential and effective approach to reducing the high death rate in autoimmune diseases.

•Plaques of atherosclerosis occur through cellular dysfunction.•Circulatory antigens and molecules are suggested for the production of vaccines against the atherosclerosis process.•Vaccination is suggested as an effective approach to reducing the death rate in autoimmune diseases.

Plaques of atherosclerosis occur through cellular dysfunction.

Circulatory antigens and molecules are suggested for the production of vaccines against the atherosclerosis process.

Vaccination is suggested as an effective approach to reducing the death rate in autoimmune diseases.